US20120204970A1 - Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling pressure in an inflatable device - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling pressure in an inflatable device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120204970A1 US20120204970A1 US13/452,987 US201213452987A US2012204970A1 US 20120204970 A1 US20120204970 A1 US 20120204970A1 US 201213452987 A US201213452987 A US 201213452987A US 2012204970 A1 US2012204970 A1 US 2012204970A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- pressure
- control
- user
- control device
- inflatable device
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C27/00—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas
- A47C27/08—Fluid mattresses or cushions
- A47C27/081—Fluid mattresses or cushions of pneumatic type
- A47C27/083—Fluid mattresses or cushions of pneumatic type with pressure control, e.g. with pressure sensors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C27/00—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas
- A47C27/08—Fluid mattresses or cushions
- A47C27/081—Fluid mattresses or cushions of pneumatic type
- A47C27/082—Fluid mattresses or cushions of pneumatic type with non-manual inflation, e.g. with electric pumps
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C31/00—Details or accessories for chairs, beds, or the like, not provided for in other groups of this subclass, e.g. upholstery fasteners, mattress protectors, stretching devices for mattress nets
- A47C31/008—Use of remote controls
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
- G05D16/00—Control of fluid pressure
- G05D16/20—Control of fluid pressure characterised by the use of electric means
- G05D16/2006—Control of fluid pressure characterised by the use of electric means with direct action of electric energy on controlling means
- G05D16/208—Control of fluid pressure characterised by the use of electric means with direct action of electric energy on controlling means using a combination of controlling means as defined in G05D16/2013 and G05D16/2066
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/3584—Inflatable article [e.g., tire filling chuck and/or stem]
- Y10T137/36—With pressure-responsive pressure-control means
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Mattresses And Other Support Structures For Chairs And Beds (AREA)
- Massaging Devices (AREA)
Abstract
In one aspect, the invention provides a method for a user to adjust a pressure in an inflatable device. The method includes acts of adjusting the pressure in the inflatable device with a control device to a pressure preferred by the user, where the pressure preferred by the user has a first value, and establishing a first setting corresponding to the pressure preferred by the user with the control device, and automatically establishing a second setting corresponding to a second pressure having a second value once the first setting is established, where the second value differs from the first value by a predetermined amount.
Description
- This application is a divisional of and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §§120 and 121 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/696,656 filed Apr. 4, 2007, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Monitoring and Controlling Pressure in an Inflatable Device”, which claims benefit under U.S.C. §119(e) to each of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 60/788,988, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Monitoring and Controlling Pressure in an Inflatable Device,” filed on Apr. 4, 2006; 60/859,325, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Monitoring and Controlling Pressure in an Inflatable Device,” filed on Nov. 16, 2006; and 60/867,738, entitled “Inflatable Device with Recessed Fluid Controller and Modified Adjustment Device,” filed on Nov. 29, 2006, the content of each of the preceding is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- 1. Field of Invention
- Embodiments of the invention relate generally to inflatable devices. More specifically, at least one embodiment relates to an apparatus and method for monitoring and controlling the pressure in an inflatable device, for example, based on a user selected inflation level.
- 2. Discussion of Related Art
- Inflatable devices are used in a variety of contexts, such as where buoyancy or a cushioned support is needed, where space is limited or portability is desired. For example, inflatable mattresses, cushions and other body supports (e.g., pillows, backrests, chairs, etc.) are used for applications such as camping, hospital bedding, and both occasional and everyday bedding and support in the home. Many inflatable devices can be inflated to a desired pressure level using an inflation device such as an electrically operated pump. Generally, these inflatable devices also include at least one valve (either manually operated or electrically operated) that allows control of the pressure in the inflatable valve, for example, by allowing the release of fluid from the inflatable device when the valve is open. Such inflatable devices have the additional advantage that the degree of inflation of the inflatable device can be adjusted to provide selective support for objects having an irregular shape, such as a person. Other examples of inflatable devices include boats, rafts and other devices for use in the water.
- A variety of methods are known for providing a fluid, such as air, to inflate an inflatable device. Typically, a pump is used to supply fluid to an orifice in the inflatable device. In most instances, fluid is introduced into inflatable devices through an inlet that may be sealed to retain fluid within the inflatable device. The inlet may also serve as an outlet for deflating the inflatable device. A pump for use with an inflatable device may include a motor that drives an impeller, moving the fluid into, out of (or both), the inflatable device. Motorized pumps may be powered by electricity. Typically, such electricity is provided by a connection to standard house current or, where portability is desired, batteries.
- One known inflatable device invented by the applicant is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,363, which is herein incorporated by reference. The inflatable device includes a bladder 20, which is adapted for use as a mattress. The inflatable device also includes a
fluid controller 80 connected to bladder 20 comprising a pump adapted to inflate the bladder 20 when connected to household electric current. - Some inflatable devices include a pressure control system that allows a user to select the pressure level in the inflatable device based on a number that appears to correspond with a discrete pressure level. That is, the system may provide the user with multiple pressure settings where one or more of the pressure settings corresponds to an associated number or other indicia identifying that pressure setting. Further, once the pressure setting is selected, the pressure control system adjusts the pressure in the inflatable device by either operating the inflation device (i.e., to increase the pressure by adding fluid to the inflatable device) or opening the valve (i.e., to decrease the pressure by allowing fluid to be released from the inflatable device).
- However, these known pressure control systems require that the user recall their preferred setting whenever they use the inflatable device after the pressure level in the inflatable device has been changed, for example, as the result of the use of the inflatable device by another user, gradual leakage, deflation for storage, etc. Provided the user recalls their preferred setting, the user must then adjust the pressure control setting to select the setting associated with the pressure that they prefer from among, perhaps, many pressure settings. Further, the association of the pressure of the inflatable device and the pressure setting of the pressure control is arbitrary. As one example, the controls may provide unequal steps of pressure adjustment between each control setting. More specifically, where the pressure control system provides the user with 20 different pressure control settings (e.g., identified by the numerals 1-20) the change in pressure between adjacent settings (e.g., the
settings 5 and 6) may differ between each step of adjustment. In addition, the user cannot be sure that there is any difference between the pressure provided by a first pressure control setting and a pressure provided by a second pressure control setting, e.g., the pressure provided when the system is set at the pressure control setting ‘5’ may be exactly the same as, or differ little from, the pressure provided when the system is set at the pressure control setting ‘6.’ - Also, existing pressure control systems may not provide fast enough adjustment, in particular, where the inflatable device has a relatively large volume (e.g., a mattress). The lack of relatively rapid adjustment makes current pressure control systems impractical for use in inflatable devices that provide posture control.
- Various embodiments of the invention provide a control device that allows a user the ability to adjust the firmness level and/or posture setting of an inflatable device based on the tactile feedback that the user receives when employing the inflatable device. In some embodiments, the control device includes a plurality of control elements and allows the user to operate the control elements to achieve a preferred firmness level and/or posture setting without the need for any indicia.
- In one aspect, the invention provides a method for a user to adjust a pressure in an inflatable device. The method includes acts of adjusting the pressure in the inflatable device with a control device to a pressure preferred by the user, where the pressure preferred by the user has a first value, and establishing a first setting corresponding to the pressure preferred by the user with the control device, and automatically establishing a second setting corresponding to a second pressure having a second value once the first setting is established, where the second value differs to from the first value by a predetermined amount. In one embodiment, the pressure preferred by the user is selected based only on the user interacting with the inflatable device.
- According to another aspect of the invention, a system is adapted to control a pressure in an inflatable device. The system includes a pressure controller fluidly coupled to the inflatable device and configured to adjust the pressure in the inflatable device by adding and removing fluid from the inflatable device. A control device includes a plurality of control elements and is adapted to allow the user to adjust the pressure in the inflatable device using the pressure controller and a first control element configured to establish a setting corresponding to a first pressure which is a preferred pressure. A microcontroller configured to receive information concerning the first setting and automatically establish at least one additional setting corresponding to a second pressure, once the first setting is established. In a further embodiment, the control device is configured to allow the user to determine the preferred pressure based only on the user interacting with the inflatable device.
- In an alternate embodiment, the control device includes a single control element and is adapted to allow the user to adjust the pressure in the inflatable device using the pressure controller. Further the single control element may be configured to establish a setting corresponding to the first pressure and one or more additional settings corresponding to one or more different pressures.
- According to yet another aspect of the invention, a system is adapted to control a pressure in at least one inflatable bladder of a multi-bladder comfort device including a comfort layer and a support layer. The inflation system includes a pressure controller configured to provide posture control by adding and releasing air from at least the support layer of the inflatable device. In another embodiment, the inflation system includes a pressure controller configured to provide posture control by adding and releasing air from at least the comfort layer of the inflatable device. In a further embodiment, the inflation system includes a pressure controller configured to provide posture control by adding and releasing air from both the support layer and to the comfort layer of the inflatable device. In each of the preceding embodiments, the system also includes a first inflatable bladder fluidly coupled to the pressure controller, a second inflatable bladder fluidly coupled to the pressure controller and a control unit remote from the pressure controller which is adapted to allow a user to establish a plurality of posture control settings. In another embodiment, the control unit is further configured to allow the user to select a posture control setting based only on the user interacting with the inflatable comfort device.
- According to a further aspect of the invention, a hand held control device is adapted to control a pressure in an inflatable device. The control device includes a first control element adapted to allow a user, in a first operation, to establish a first setting corresponding to a pressure preferred by the user, and in a second operation, to allow the user to adjust the pressure in the inflatable device to the pressure preferred by the user from another pressure. The hand held control device also includes a second control element adapted to allow a user to increase the pressure in the inflatable device from the pressure preferred by the user to a pressure corresponding to a second setting which is automatically established once the first setting is established. According to one embodiment, the hand held control device includes a third control element adapted to allow the user to decrease the pressure in the inflatable device from the pressure preferred by the user to a pressure corresponding to a third setting which is automatically established once the first setting is established.
- According to a still further aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided for storing a handheld control device for controlling an inflation level of an inflatable device. According to one embodiment, the apparatus includes a receiving member configured to receive the handheld control device and allow the use to remove the handheld control device from the receiving member when the user is employing the handheld control device. In a further embodiment, the apparatus is configured to locate the handheld control device with respect to the inflatable device to be within reach of a user employing the handheld control device when the handheld control device is received by the receiving member. In a still further embodiment, the to apparatus is configured to locate the handheld control device with respect to the inflatable device to be within reach of a user while the user is reclined on an inflatable device without the user adjusting from a reclined posture and without the user removing the control device from the receiving member. In yet another embodiment, the apparatus is configured to locate the handheld control device with respect to the inflatable device to be within reach of a user while the user remains reclined on an inflatable device without the user adjusting a posture setting of the inflatable device and without the user removing the control device from the receiving member.
- In another aspect, an apparatus is provided for storing a handheld control device for controlling an inflation level of an inflatable device. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a receiving member configured to receive the handheld control device and allow the user to remove the handheld control device from the receiving member when the user is employing the handheld control device, and recharging circuitry configured to recharge a power source located in the handheld control device with the handheld control device received by the receiving member.
- The accompanying drawings, are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a system for monitoring and controlling pressure in an inflatable device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 2 illustrates a system for monitoring and controlling pressure in a multi-chamber inflatable device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of the system and inflatable device ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section of the pressure controller inFIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 5 illustrates a partial view of the cross-section ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate a control device according to an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 7 illustrates a user interface according to an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 8 illustrates a control device in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a system for monitoring and controlling pressure in an inflatable device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a transformer and rectifier according to an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of voltage regulation modules in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIGS. 12A-12C are schematic diagrams of sensing circuitry in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a valve controller in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIGS. 14A and 14B are schematic diagrams of control devices in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 14C illustrates a processor in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 14D is a schematic of a pump control circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIGS. 15A and 15B are flow diagrams of a process for monitoring and controlling the pressure in an inflatable device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 16 illustrates a multi-layer inflatable device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIGS. 17A-17D illustrate inflatable devices in accordance with embodiments of the invention; -
FIG. 18 illustrates a pressure controller in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 19 illustrates a pressure controller in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 20 illustrates a pressure controller in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention; -
FIGS. 21A-21C illustrate a valve in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 22 illustrates a control device in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 23A illustrates a mattress in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 23B illustrates a mattress in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 24A illustrates an apparatus for storing a control device according to an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 24B illustrates another view of the apparatus ofFIG. 24A in accordance with one embodiment; -
FIG. 25A illustrates the apparatus ofFIG. 24A employed with an inflatable device in accordance with one embodiment; -
FIG. 25B illustrates another view of the apparatus ofFIG. 24A employed with an inflatable device in accordance with one embodiment; -
FIG. 26A illustrates a control device and receiving member in accordance with one embodiment; -
FIG. 26B illustrates the receiving member ofFIG. 26A ; -
FIG. 27 illustrates a schematic view of a control device according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 28 illustrates a control device according to a further embodiment; -
FIG. 29 illustrates an inflatable device in accordance with another embodiment; -
FIGS. 30A and 30B illustrate a pressure controller in accordance with another embodiment; -
FIG. 31 illustrates a valve in accordance with a further embodiment; and -
FIG. 32 illustrates an inflatable device in accordance with yet another embodiment. - This invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” “containing”, “involving”, and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
- As used herein, a pressure controller (e.g., a fluid controller) is a device capable of regulating the pressure in an inflatable device and may include various components, such as a housing, one or more valves, one or more fluid conduits, one or more pumps, one or more pressure sensors and the like. In one embodiment, an inflatable device includes a substantially fluid impermeable bladder and a pressure controller comprising an electrically powered pump at least partly positioned within the bladder. As used herein, an object, such as a pressure controller, that is “positioned within” a bladder occupies a portion of the volume that would normally be occupied by the bladder, but need not be within the wall of the bladder. For example, a pressure controller could be located within a recess in the wall of a bladder and be “positioned within” the bladder, as this term is defined and used herein.
- According to one embodiment, a pressure in an inflatable device is monitored and controlled using a pressure control system that includes a control unit and a pressure controller that may include one or more pressure sensors, one or more valves, one or more pumps, one or more valve operators, control logic and one or more temperature sensors. In one embodiment, the control unit is a hand held control unit that allows the user to select a preferred pressure for at least one chamber of the inflatable device based on the user interacting with the inflatable device, e.g., based on the user's tactile senses, in some cases based only on the user interacting with the inflatable device. In some embodiments, the user selects the preferred pressure without any quantitative knowledge of the actual pressure of the inflatable device or any knowledge of the relative pressure of the inflatable device. That is, without reference to any other pressure settings provided by the control unit.
- In one embodiment, the inflatable device includes an inflatable bladder that can be filled with a fluid. In a version of this embodiment, the inflatable bladder includes a plurality of chambers. In a further version, the inflatable bladder includes at least one a support layer that may support one or more comfort layers.
- In general, the user controls the firmness of the inflatable device by adjusting the pressure within the inflatable device using the hand held control device. In one embodiment, the system includes a processor that compares a desired pressure level to an actual pressure level of the inflatable device. If the desired pressure level is greater than the actual pressure level, the valve is opened and the pump is operated to add fluid to the inflatable device until the desired pressure is reached. If the user requests a pressure level that is less than the actual pressure level the valve is opened while the pump remains off to release fluid from the inflatable device. In some embodiments, a more rapid decrease in pressure can be achieved by operating the pump (with valve open) in a direction that allows withdrawal of air from the inflatable device. The pressure sensors are employed to determine the pressure within the inflatable device while the temperature sensors are employed to compensate the sensed-pressure for ambient temperature. The position sensors may also be used to determine the status of the valve, e.g., whether the valve is in an open position or a closed position. In one embodiment, the valve and the pump motor are both electrically operated. In a version of this embodiment, a valve operator is electrically controlled to open the valve.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of asystem 100 for monitoring and controlling the pressure of aninflatable device 102. According to one embodiment, thesystem 100 includes acontrol device 104, apressure controller 106, and apump 108 that can be used to control the pressure in achamber 110 of theinflatable device 102. In one embodiment, theinflatable device 102 is a mattress. In a version of this embodiment, theinflatable device 102 includes a plurality ofchambers 110. - In accordance with one embodiment, the control device is a handheld unit that operates wirelessly to transmit control settings to the
pressure controller 106. In another embodiment, thecontrol device 104 is configured to be connected to thepressure controller 106. In a version of this embodiment, thecontrol device 104 is connected to thepressure controller 106 by anoptional tether 114 that includes one or more electrical conductors which conduct signals from thecontrol device 104 to thepressure controller 106. Theoptional tether 114 is shown in phantom inFIG. 1 . - The
pump 108 can be included in thepressure controller 106 where the pump may be directly coupled to the controller. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 , however, thepump 108 is located separately from thepressure controller 106 and thepump 108 and thecontroller 106 are fluidly connected by aconduit 112. In a version of this embodiment, both thecontroller 106 and thepump 108 are located within the profile of theinflatable device 102, for example, within a profile of a mattress. In one embodiment, both the controller and the pump are located within a profile of thechamber 110. In other embodiments, both thecontroller 106 and the pump may be located outside the profile of theinflatable device 102. It should be recognized that thechamber 110 may be an inflatable bladder, or a plurality of inflatable bladders. - As is discussed in greater detail herein, according to one embodiment, the
pressure controller 106 includes a valve and a corresponding valve housing. In another embodiment, thecontroller 106 includes a plurality of valves. In further embodiments, thepressure controller 106 may include one or more valve operators, one or more position sensors to sense a position of the valve or the valve operator, one or more pressure sensors to sense pressure in one or more chambers, one or more temperature sensors to sense temperature in one or more chambers, and electronic circuitry. - In general, the
pressure controller 106 includes electronic circuitry to process information concerning the pressure of the inflatable device and to provide outputs to operate valves and pumps included in thesystem 100 to adjust the pressure. In some embodiments, thepressure controller 106 may be an integral unit that includes the electronic circuitry, a valve, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a valve operator, a position sensor or any combination of the electronic circuitry and the preceding devices. Further, in one embodiment, thepressure controller 106 includes an integral pump (e.g., the pump 108). - The
control device 104 may be stored proximate to theinflatable device 102 to provide a user with convenient access to the control device. In one embodiment, theinflatable device 102 includes a frame (e.g., a mattress frame) that includes a storage location for thecontrol device 104 such as a recess, a cutout or a hook. In another embodiment, the control device is stored on an adjacent pedestal to locate the control device in an elevated position relative to theinflatable device 102. - In various embodiments, the
system 100 may also be employed to add fluid to one or more accessory devices, for example, a pillow including a fluid impermeable bladder. A fluid coupling may be provided for the purpose of temporarily connecting the accessory device to thepump 108. According to various embodiments, the fluid coupling may be connected to one of theconduit 112 or thepressure controller 106. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , according to one embodiment, theinflatable device 202 includes a plurality ofchambers pressure controller 206 is fluidly connected to each of the plurality ofchambers pump 208 is fluidly connected to the pressure to controller (and consequently eachchamber conduit 212. Thus, thepressure controller 206 can be employed to monitor and control the pressure in theinflatable device 202, that is, to monitor and control the pressure in eachchamber -
FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of theinflatable device 202 ofFIG. 2 . According to one embodiment, theinflatable device 202 is a mattress suitable for sleeping two users. In one embodiment, thepressure controller 206 is located at one end of theinflatable device 202, for example, a foot of theinflatable device 202.FIG. 3 illustrates afirst valve 216A that fluidly couples thepressure controller 206 to thefirst chamber 210A, and asecond valve 216B that fluidly couples the pressure controller to thesecond chamber 210B. - The
pressure controller 206 can include afirst pressure sensor 218A to measure the pressure in thefirst chamber 210A, asecond pressure sensor 218B to measure the pressure in thesecond chamber 210B, afirst temperature sensor 221A to measure the temperature in thefirst chamber 210A, and asecond temperature sensor 221B to measure the temperature in thesecond chamber 210B. In one embodiment, afluid conduit 212 connects thepressure controller 206 to the pump (e.g., the pump 208). According to one or more alternate embodiments, the pressure sensors (e.g., thepressure sensors temperature sensors inflatable device 202, i.e., the pressure sensors and temperature sensors are not located in thepressure controller 206. For example, in one embodiment, the pressure sensors may be located in a fluid conduit that fluidly couples the pressure controller and the chamber. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a cross section 4-4 of thepressure controller 206 ofFIG. 3 . In addition to thefirst valve 216A, thesecond valve 216B, thefirst pressure sensor 218A, and thesecond pressure sensor 218B, according to one embodiment, thepressure controller 206 also includes avalve operator 220 shown in phantom (e.g., a motor, a solenoid, etc.), amechanical coupling 222 to connect thevalve operator 220 to eachvalve valve operator 220 to themechanical coupling 222, afirst position sensor 223A, a second to positionsensor 223B, andelectronic circuitry 226. In one embodiment, thepressure controller 206 includes ahousing 254. In a version of this embodiment, themechanical coupling 222, thevalve operator 220, thegear 228, and theelectronic circuitry 226 are included in thehousing 254. - The
valve operator 220 may be any device that provides a mechanical motion in response to the receipt of an electronic/electrical signal where the mechanical motion can be used to open and/or close a valve. Thus, thevalve operator 220 may be a motor, a solenoid, a relay and the like. Embodiments of thevalve operator 220 may be electrical or electronic devices that are controlled by analog circuitry, digital circuitry or a combination of analog and digital circuitry. - According to one embodiment, the mechanical coupling is a rod that includes a
serrated surface 230 configured to engage thegear 228, afirst engagement surface 232A to engage thefirst valve 216A, and asecond engagement surface 232B to engage thesecond valve 216B. In one embodiment, eachvalve contact surface - In operation, the
valve operator 220 operates in response to a signal indicating that a change in pressure is desired, for example, the user has requested a change in pressure in one of thechambers valve operator 220 is transferred to the mechanical coupling 222 (e.g., a plunger) which is displaced such that the engagement surface (e.g., 232B) of the mechanical coupling engages the contact surface (e.g., 238A) of the valve associated with the selected chamber. Thus, the valve is operated to provide for an adjustment of the pressure in the selected chamber. To decrease the pressure in the chamber the valve is opened and the pump remains off (or, operates to forcibly withdraw air from the chamber) so that fluid exhausts from the chamber (e.g., thechamber 210A) via the valve (e.g., thevalve 216A). Conversely, to increase the pressure in the chamber the valve is opened and the pump is turned on to move fluid (e.g., air) into the chamber via the valve. - According to one embodiment, the fluid exhausts from the chamber into the to pressure
controller 206 where it may be released to atmosphere. In one embodiment, the fluid is released to atmosphere via thepump 208, for example, when the pump is off. - Referring now to
FIG. 5 , a more detailed view of the portion of thepressure controller 206 including thevalve 216B is shown. In one embodiment, thechamber 210B includes anopening 242B that allows thepressure controller 206 to be fluidly coupled to thechamber 210B via thevalve 216B. In a version of this embodiment, the fluid path between thepressure controller 206 and thechamber 210B includes a neck 244B. According to one embodiment, afirst flange 246B is located at a first end of theneck 244 proximate to the opening 242, and asecond flange 248B located at a second end of theneck 244 that engages the valve housing 240. In a version of this embodiment, thefirst flange 246B is RF welded to an outer surface of thechamber 210B. In one embodiment, thevalve 216B includes at least oneseal 250B that provides a fluid-tight seal between the valve housing 240 and thesecond flange 248B. In a further embodiment, thevalve 216B includes asecond seal 252B that provides a fluid tight seal between thevalve housing 240B and thehousing 254 of thepressure controller 206. - The
pressure controller 206 ofFIG. 5 is shown with themechanical coupling 222 in three positions. First, themechanical coupling 222 is shown in a neutral position where theengagement surface 232B of themechanical coupling 222 and thecontact surface 238B of thevalve 216B are proximate one another but themechanical coupling 222 is not applying any pressure to open to the valve. With themechanical coupling 222 in the neutral position, theengagement surface 232A of themechanical coupling 222 and thecontact surface 238A of thevalve 216A are also proximate one another. In addition, with themechanical coupling 222 in the neutral position, theoverseals valve housing chambers mechanical coupling 222 is in the neutral position. Second, themechanical coupling 222 is shown in phantom in a second position where the mechanical coupling has moved laterally to the right as a result of the operation of thevalve operator 220. As a result, theengagement surface 232B is moved into contact with thecontact surface 238B to disengage the overseal 236B from thevalve housing 240B to allow for an adjustment of the pressure in thechamber 210B. In addition, with themechanical coupling 222 in the second position, theengagement surface 232A of themechanical coupling 222 and thecontact surface 238A of thevalve 216A are no longer proximate. - In general, the
valve 216A has the same overall structure as described above for thevalve 216B. Therefore, in a third position, with themechanical coupling 222 shifted laterally to the left (as shown in phantom), theengagement surface 232A is moved into contact with thecontact surface 238A to disengage theoverseal 236A from thevalve housing 240A and allow for an adjustment of the pressure in thechamber 210A. - It can be seen from the preceding that, in at least one embodiment, the
valve operator 220 operates bothvalves valve operator 220 and themechanical coupling 222 can be employed to provide a range of motion that can be applied to operate thevalves valve operator 220 may be employed to operate thevalves valve operator 220 is a motor (e.g., a stepper motor) that provides a rotational motion to thegear 228 that is transferred to a linear motion of themechanical coupling 222. In this embodiment, the rotational motion may be incrementally controlled so that the corresponding linear motion of themechanical coupling 222 is also incrementally controlled. As a result, at a first stage of operation, the mechanical coupling travels a first distance that is sufficient to open the overseal (e.g., the overseal 236B) of the valve (e.g., thevalve 216B) while the diaphragm (e.g., thediaphragm 234B) remains closed. At a second stage of operation, following additional rotation (e.g., clockwise rotation) of thevalve operator 220, themechanical coupling 222 travels a second distance that is sufficient to open the diaphragm (e.g., thediaphragm 234B) with the overseal (e.g., the overseal 236B) remaining open. - According to one embodiment, the first stage of operation is employed in combination with the operation of the
pump 208 that is turned on to inflate the chamber (e.g., thechamber 210B). That is, the fluid pressure provided by thepump 208 forces the diaphragm to open inward into the chamber to allow the chamber to inflate. In a version of this embodiment, thepump 208 remains off in the second stage of operation and the chamber (e.g., thechamber 210B) deflates when the diaphragm is opened by themechanical coupling 222. - As is discussed in greater detail below, the
position sensors mechanical coupling 222 and provide signals to theelectronic circuitry 226 indicative of the stage of operation of thevalves - The above embodiments may employ a variety of
valve operators 220 to produce an incrementally controlled motion of each valve. For example, a solenoid-type valve operator may be employed where the motion of the plunger is controlled incrementally through a plurality of positions including a fully open position wherein the overseal and the diaphragm of a valve are open. - It is to be appreciated that one or both of the
gear 228 and themechanical coupling 222 need not be used with thepressure controller 206. Instead, in various embodiments, thevalve operator 220 is directly connected to one or more valves so that the motion of thevalve operator 220 is transmitted directly to one or more valves operated by thepressure controller 206 without the aid of any intermediate mechanical devices. In addition, a plurality of valve operators may be used with thepressure controller 206, for example, where each valve operator operates a single valve. - According to one embodiment, the operation of the
valve operator 220 is controlled with theelectronic circuitry 226. Theelectronic circuitry 226 can include analog circuits, digital circuits or a combination of analog and digital circuits. The electronic circuitry may include hardware, software, firmware or a combination of the preceding. Theelectronic circuitry 226 may, for example, include a processor such as a microcontroller and memory and/or other components that provide logic and other to apparatus for storing and executing instructions concerning the operation of thepressure controller 206. Theelectronic circuitry 226 or elements of the electronic circuitry can be included on a printed circuit (“PC”) board or a plurality of PC boards. - In various embodiments, the
electronic circuitry 226 is connected to one or more of the devices included in thepressure controller 206. For example, one or more of thevalve operator 220, theposition sensors pressure sensors temperature sensors electronic circuitry 226. According to one embodiment, thepressure sensors pressure controller 206. - It is to be recognized that the
electronic circuitry 226 may include communication circuitry employed to facilitate communication between thepressure controller 206 and thecontrol device 104. For example, theelectronic circuitry 226 may include a receiver to receive signals from thecontrol device 104. In other embodiments, theelectronic circuitry 226 may include a transceiver to allow for bi-directional communication between thecontrol device 104 and thepressure controller 206. In one embodiment, thecontrol device 104 is hardwire connected with theelectronic circuitry 226. According to another embodiment, wireless communication occurs between thecontrol device 104 and thepressure controller 206 and theelectronic circuitry 226 includes a wireless transceiver. - As mentioned above, the
control device 104 may be remote from theinflatable device 202. Thecontrol device 104 communicates information to thepressure controller 206 concerning the pressure and/or posture desired by the user for theinflatable device 202. According to one embodiment, thecontrol device 104 is sized and adapted to be a hand held control device. In a version of this embodiment, thecontrol device 104 is a wireless control device. - An embodiment of the control device is illustrated in
FIGS. 6A-6C . Thecontrol device 104 includes ahousing 604, auser interface 661, a power source 669 (e.g., a 9 volt battery), andelectronic circuitry 663. According to one embodiment, theuser interface 661 includes a plurality of control elements 662, aselector 664, and one or more indicating lights 665. In a version of this embodiment, theselector 664 to allows the user to choose the chamber (e.g., thechambers inflatable device 202. - According to one embodiment, the
housing 660 includes a taperedsection 667 and aconcave section 668. Further, thehousing 660 may be sized and adapted to conform to a hand of the user. In various embodiments, the control device is sized and adapted to be a hand held control device. According to one embodiment the control device has a maximum diameter of 2.5 inches. In a version of this embodiment, the control device has a diameter of 2.4 inches. - In one embodiment, the
user interface 661 is a touch screen with a display that is responsive to a user locating their fingertip in the vicinity of a selected control element displayed in the interface. In another embodiment, where the control elements 662 are discrete items, theuser interface 661 is adapted to provide a substantially solid surface that includes one or more openings through which the plurality of control elements located beneath the surface may extend for access by the user. For example, referring toFIG. 6B , thecontrol elements surface 666 of theuser interface 661. In yet another embodiment, theuser interface 661 provides a substantially solid surface that is flexible and may flex in response to pressure applied by the user in the direction of the interior of the housing. In this embodiment, thesurface 666 of theuser interface 661 includes an indication of the location of each control element. In a version of this embodiment, the user selects a control element from among the plurality of control elements 662 by applying pressure on the surface in the vicinity of control element, e.g.,control element 662A. - According to one embodiment, the
user interface 661 includes afirst control element 662A that is employed by the user to establish a control setting associated with a preferred pressure setting of the inflatable device, asecond control element 662B to increase the pressure in the inflatable device, athird control element 662C to decrease the pressure in the inflatable device, afourth control element 662D to to decrease the pressure in the inflatable device to one or more established pressures, and afifth control element 662E to increase the pressure in the inflatable device to one or more established pressures. In one embodiment, thecontrol elements - In one embodiment, the
first control element 662A is located in a central location in theuser interface 661 and the indicatinglights first control element 662A at approximately 12 o'clock, using a clock face as a positional reference. Applying the same reference, thesecond control element 662B is located at approximately 12 o'clock on the user interface radially inward relative to the indicating lights, thethird control element 662C is located at approximately 6 o'clock on the user interface, thefourth control element 662D is located at approximately 9 o'clock on the user interface, and thefifth control element 662E is located at approximately 3 o'clock on theuser interface 661. In a version of this embodiment where thecontrol device 604 is employed to set the pressure in a plurality of chambers of the inflatable device, theselector 664 is located at approximately 6 o'clock radially outward of thethird control element 662C. - According to one embodiment, the control elements 662 are located within the
user interface 661 to provide the user with a known, repeatable, and easy to use approach to controlling the pressure in the inflatable device. As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, however, the control elements 662 can be located in theuser interface 661 in any of a variety of locations and in a variety of manners including locations that provide a different spatial relationship between the plurality of control elements 662. - In various embodiments, the
control device 604 provides the user with a convenient and easy to use approach to set a preferred pressure setting and return to it. In one embodiment, the user selects thefirst control element 662A once, for example, by pressing and holding the control element to establish a preferred pressure setting corresponding to a preferred pressure for the inflatable device. Once the preferred pressure is initially established, the user may later select (e.g., momentarily select) thefirst control element 662A to return to the preferred pressure from any other pressure. For example, the user can return to the preferred pressure after the inflatable device has been used by another user who has adjusted the pressure. - According to one embodiment, the
second control element 662B and thethird control element 662C allow the user to adjust the pressure in theinflatable device 202 within a continuous range of control. For example, the pressure adjustment provided by the second control and third elements may allow the user to raise and lower the pressure between 0 psi (completely deflated) and an established maximum pressure for theinflatable device 202. In other words, the system does not require that the user adjust the pressure in the inflatable device in fixed increments or steps. - In various embodiments, the system also provides the user with an ability to easily establish a control setting corresponding to the pressure that they prefer. More specifically, the
control device 604 allows the user to establish the control setting without any knowledge of the quantitative pressure level and without reference to any other pressure levels. For example, while the user employs the inflatable device 202 (e.g., lies on an inflatable mattress) he or she can adjust the pressure in the inflatable device using the second, third, fourth and/or fifth control elements. When the adjustment is complete and the user determines that the inflation is at a level that they desire, they may simply select the first control element for a previously established minimum amount of time (e.g., press and hold) to establish a control setting corresponding to the then current pressure level. The control setting is stored in memory either in the control device or the pressure controller. The user can later re-establish the desired pressure in the inflatable device by momentarily selecting the first control element. Once selected, the control setting is provided to the pressure controller (e.g., the pressure controller 206) and the desired pressure is re-established in the inflatable device (or in the selected chamber, where the inflatable device includes a plurality of chambers). - In some embodiments, the
control device 604 provides an interface that allows the user to adjust the pressure level in the inflatable device using an approach that is clear even where the user interface does not include indicia. In one embodiment, the control elements do not include any indicia, for example, the control elements are unmarked. That is, as described above, the user's tactile sensation concerning the inflatable device may be the only information that is required for the user to establish the control setting corresponding to their desired pressure. For example, thecontrol device 604 may, but need not, include an indication of the pressure, for example, a pressure gauge that displays the pressure in the inflatable device or an indication of the pressure relative to a reference pressure (e.g., a pressure scale from 1-10). In a further embodiment, the locations of the control elements are marked but the control elements are otherwise unlabeled. - Further, embodiments of the control device need not include a pre-defined plurality of discrete control settings in order for the user to establish the desired pressure level and corresponding control setting. Thus, according to one embodiment, the
control device 604 can include auser interface 661 with no indicia or other markings. For example, the control elements 662 may be directly accessible because they protrude through a surface of the user interface (e.g., a faceplate) or they are located beneath a transparent surface of the user interface. In another embodiment, the control elements themselves are not visible, but the regions of the user interface where the control elements are located are contoured, i.e., raised or lowered relative to the other regions of the user interface. - According to one embodiment, the
second control element 662B and thethird control element 662C can be employed by the user for posture control. Posture control allows a user to adjust the position of the inflatable device via the rapid increase or decrease of the pressure in the inflatable device. For example, posture control may allow the user to adjust an inflatable device from a first configuration in which it is employed as a mattress (e.g., it provides a substantially horizontal surface on which the user reclines) and a second configuration in which the inflatable device includes a vertical backrest, for example, a chair. Thus, posture control may allow the inflatable device to be rapidly converted between the first configuration and the second configuration. - In one or more embodiments, posture control requires the rapid movement of substantial volumes of fluid, for example air, to adjust the inflatable device between to the first configuration and the second configuration while the user is employing the inflatable device. That is, the user may desire to move from a seated position to a fully reclined position or visa versa. Embodiments of the invention allow the rapid postural control of the inflatable device, at least in part, because the pump (e.g., the pump 208) is designed to rapidly move large volumes of air at a relatively low pressure, for example, at less than one PSI.
- According to one embodiment, the control device also includes one or more pressure settings corresponding to pressure settings pre-set at, for example, the time of the manufacture of the system. These pre-set pressure settings may be established because, for example, it corresponds to a pressure in the inflatable device that is commonly employed by users or is a moderate pressure that is located approximately in the middle of a pressure range most commonly preferred by users of the inflatable device.
- According to one embodiment, the
fourth control element 662D and thefifth control element 662E can provide control settings that are preset by the supplier/manufacturer of the inflatable device. In one embodiment, thefourth control element 662D provides a factory preset firm setting (e.g., a manufacture's setting) when it is selected once and a factory preset extra-firm setting when it is selected twice, for example, twice in rapid succession (i.e., with a minimal time delay). In a version of this embodiment, thefifth control element 662E also provides one or more factory preset settings, for example, a soft setting when it is selected once and a super-soft setting when it is selected twice. As will be recognized by those of skill in the art, the control elements 662 may provide any number of preset control settings from one setting to any of a plurality of settings. - In one embodiment, the settings provided by the fourth and
fifth control elements control element 662A (e.g., the firm, extra-firm, soft and extra-soft settings are relative to a “home” setting). In one embodiment, the actual pressures corresponding to the extra-firm, firm, soft and extra-soft settings are to not established until the user establishes a preferred setting using thecontrol element 662A. - In accordance with one embodiment, a user may automatically establish a plurality of control settings (e.g., pressure settings) once a first pressure is established. In one embodiment, the first pressure is the pressure preferred by the user. Further, the user may establish the pressure based on the preferred firmness of the inflatable device and without knowledge of an actual pressure value. Thus, the user may adjust the pressure in the inflatable device to establish a suitable comfort level where the pressure has a first value, for example, 0.3 psi. A first control setting corresponding to the pressure is established by the user with the
control device 604, for example, by depressing or otherwise selecting a control element (e.g., thecontrol element 662E). The setting may be stored in memory and may be stored as an actual pressure value or some other information (such as a number associated with the pressure value) that will allow the system to return the pressure in the chamber to that preferred by the user. - The system may automatically establish, a second setting that corresponds to a second pressure having a second value once the first setting is established. In accordance with one embodiment, the second value has a difference from the first value by a predetermined amount, for example, 0.05 psi. The second setting may correspond to a pressure that is either greater than or less than the pressure associated with the first setting. Accordingly, in the preceding example the difference may be +0.05 psi or −0.05 psi. In further embodiments, a plurality of additional control settings may be automatically established by the system once the first setting is established. For example, a third setting may be automatically established with the
control device 604 where the third setting corresponds to a third pressure having a third value that differs from the first value by a predetermined amount. That is, in one embodiment, difference between the value of the first pressure and the value of the third pressure is negative 0.05 psi relative to the first value. In the preceding embodiment, each of the differences in pressure values is equal, however, other embodiments may employ a “difference-scale” that is graduated such that the difference in values between adjacent pressure settings increases (or decreases) as the to values move away from the value of the first pressure. - In the immediately preceding example, the second value and the third value are established relative to the first value. Alternatively, a series of control settings may be established and include control settings that are referenced to pressure setting in the series other than the first setting that is established. For example, the settings may be established with reference to the value of the immediately preceding setting in the series. In one example, a pressure difference of 0.01 psi is established as the desired difference in the pressure associated with adjacent control settings. Thus, if the first setting corresponds to a pressure of 0.3 psi, the second setting may correspond to 0.31 psi, the third setting may correspond to 0.32 psi, etc. Further, as described above, control settings associated with pressures greater than or less than the pressure associated with the first setting may be automatically established. Thus, referring back to the preceding example, a fourth setting may correspond to 0.29 psi, a fifth setting may correspond to 0.28 psi, etc.
- In one or more alternate embodiments, one or more of the control elements 662 include indicia. In another embodiment, the control device includes a pressure indicator that can, for example, display the pressure in each of the chambers included in the inflatable device.
- The
selector 664 allows the user to choose which of the plurality of chambers (e.g., thechambers left chamber 210A and theright chamber 210B, respectively. Any other type of electromechanical or solid state switch, such as a rocker switch, can also be used. - According to one embodiment, the
control device 604 includes one or more indicating lights where each indicating light 665A, 665B corresponds to a chamber of the inflatable device, e.g.,chambers -
FIG. 22 illustrates another embodiment of acontrol device 2204. According to one embodiment, asurface 2250 includes a contoured, translucent flexible surface that covers the control elements 2262. In one embodiment, the control elements provide a variety of control features that allow a user to adjust the firmness of an inflatable device by activating each control element in a plurality of operations. For example, one or more of the control elements can may provide a different operation when activated in each of the following manners: the control element can provide a first operation when tapped; a second operation when tapped twice; a third operation when pressed and held; and a fourth operation when first being tapped, and then pressed and held. The preceding methodology can provide an even wider variety of operations by employing different but similar variants. For example, a different operation may correspond to each of a different quantity of taps (i.e., 3, 4, etc.) or if a different sequence of the same steps are employed. That is, a first operation may results when a control element is tapped, pressed and held while a second operation may result when the same control element is pressed and held for a minimum amount of time and is then tapped. - In one embodiment, a first selection (e.g., a tap or other activation) of a control element begins a continuous pressure adjustment either up or down until the control element is selected again. That is, the control element provide an on/off feature for firmness adjustment.
- According to one embodiment, the
control device 2204 has two general operating modes: a first “factory preset” mode that allows the user to select inflation levels that correspond to pressures/firmness that is established, for example, at the time of manufacture and/or at the point of sale; and, a “custom” mode that allows the user to establish a wide variety of pressure/firmness settings that are selected based on the tactile feel of the inflatable device to the user. In one embodiment, 200 different pressure/firmness settings are available. - Referring to the illustrated embodiment shown in
FIG. 22 , thecontrol element 2262A can provide the user with an ability to: establish a custom “home” firmness to that corresponds to a pressure/firmness preferred by the user; return the pressure/firmness to a factory preset “medium” pressure; set a new home pressure/firmness; and initiate a reference check. In one embodiment, activation of the reference check results in an operation of the pressure controller that adjusts the firmness of the inflatable device to a known reference firmness (for example, the mid-range or medium firmness selected from the factory preset settings), holds the firmness steady at the known reference firmness, and then automatically returns the firmness to the level that immediately preceded the reference check. In a version of this embodiment, the firmness is returned to the “pre-reference check” level after a pre-defined period of time (e.g., 5, 8, or 10 seconds, etc.). - According to one embodiment, the control device operates in the factory preset mode after the factory preset medium pressure is selected and operates in the custom mode following selection of the custom “home” firmness.
- The
control element 2262B can provide the following functions: increasing the firmness up to a maximum provided by the pressure controller; storing a custom home position to memory; and providing a momentary function switch that provides a continuous increase in firmness so long as the control element remains activated (e.g., depressed). Thecontrol element 2262C can provide the following functions: decreasing the firmness to a minimum provided by the pressure controller; adjusting the firmness to the previous setting; providing a momentary function switch to provide a continuous decrease so long as the control element remains activated; and controlling a light source that may illuminate a region of the user interface. Similarly, thecontrol element 2262D can provide the following functions: an incremental decrease of the firmness (i.e., a step adjustment) of the inflatable device to a “semi-soft” level of firmness; an incremental decrease of the firmness (i.e., another step adjustment) of the inflatable device to a “soft” level of firmness; access to historical information concerning past firmness settings, for example, access to previous “home” firmness settings; and initiation of a reference check. Similarly, thecontrol element 2262E can provide the following functions: an incremental firmness increase (i.e., yet another step adjustment) to a “semi-firm” level of firmness; an incremental to firmness increase (i.e., still another step adjustment) to a “firm” level of firmness; access to historical information concerning past firmness settings; and initiation of a reference check. - In various embodiments, the control elements 2262 are elements (e.g., buttons) that are activated when they are depressed. In one embodiment, the center of
region 2254 can be depressed axially inward to activate thecontrol element 2262A and “rocked” in anyone of four directions to activate thecontrol elements - According to one embodiment, the user interface includes a
light source 2252 that may illuminate the user interface or a portion thereof. For example, in one embodiment, the user interface includes aregion 2254 beneath which the control elements 2262 are located. The region or portions thereof may be transparent, translucent or otherwise configured to transmit light generated by thelight source 2252. The light source may be an LED, incandescent lamp or other light source that is sized and adapted for inclusion in the hand heldcontrol device 2204. Thelight source 2252 may be controlled by an electronic controller (e.g., a processor) located in thecontrol device 2204. According to one embodiment, an intensity of thelight source 2252 is controlled. For example, the intensity of thelight source 2252 may be periodically adjusted to provide a soothing effect on the user of the inflatable device. That is, in one embodiment, the intensity of thelight source 2252 is adjusted to create a beat or rhythmic variance in the intensity of the light source from a relatively lower level of intensity to a relatively higher level of intensity and back. According to one embodiment, one or more control elements 2262 can be employed to adjust the minimum and maximum intensity levels, a steady state intensity level, the beat or frequency and other operational characteristics of thelight source 2252. In one version, thelight source 2252 is controlled to generate a slow pulse of varying light intensity, for example, the light source completes a cycle of varying light intensity in approximately 4 seconds. - In addition, the
light source 2252 may be used to illuminate the control elements 2262 so that the user can locate the control elements regardless of whether they are marked and regardless of an ambient light level where thecontrol device 2204 is used. For example, where the control elements 2262 are located beneath a translucent face of the user interface, the light source may also be located beneath the translucent face. In one version, the light source is centrally located in the user interface and may be co-located with a control element 2262, e.g., beneath thecontrol element 2262A. - In various embodiments, the
light source 2252 may be employed to provide information to the user. For example, thelight source 2252 may communicate information concerning the current firmness/pressure setting of the inflatable device. In one embodiment, the light source maintains a continuous beat of varying intensity when the inflatable device is in the current home position. Thelight source 2252 may provide feedback concerning a user's firmness selection. For example, thelight source 2252 may blink once for each tap applied to a control element by the user. Further, the light source may change in intensity over a first period (i.e., have a first beat) when thecontrol device 2204 is in the factory preset mode and change in intensity over a second period (i.e., have a second beat) when the control device is in the custom mode. -
FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of auser interface 761 for a control device (e.g., the control device 604). Theuser interface 761 includes a plurality ofcontrol elements user interface 761 does not include any indicia or other markings. For example, the user may select afirst control element 762A to establish a control setting corresponding to a preferred pressure of the inflatable device. The user may learn of the action required to make the selection (e.g., pressing, pressing and holding, toggling between positions, simultaneously pressing multiple control elements, etc.) at the time they first use thecontrol device 604. For example, the inflatable device may include instructions concerning the operation of thecontrol device 604. As previously described concerning theuser interface 661, the user's selection may be made simply by pressing or tapping thefirst control element 762A once. Regardless of the required action, however, in one embodiment, the user may establish the control setting corresponding to the preferred pressure setting of the inflatable device based only on the user interacting with the inflatable device, e.g., based on the user's tactile senses. Thus, the user selects the preferred pressure without any quantitative knowledge of the actual pressure of the inflatable device or any knowledge of the relative pressure of the inflatable device. For example, the user need not refer to a sequence of pre-defined pressure settings. - It should be recognized that embodiments of the invention may provide a user with a method of establishing a control setting corresponding to a “home-pressure” that may correspond to their preferred pressure setting (e.g., by selecting the
control element 762A in a first predetermined manner) from which further adjustment of the pressure of the inflatable device may be made. It will also be recognized that once the “home-pressure” is established, the user may return to it from any other pressure by selecting thecontrol element 762A in a second predetermined manner. - Further control of the pressure in the inflatable device may be provided by the
control elements user interface 661 ofFIG. 6 . For example, thecontrol element 762B may be used to increase the pressure in the inflatable device and thecontrol element 762C may be used to decrease the pressure in the inflatable device. According to one embodiment, thecontrol elements control element - In an alternate embodiment, the
control elements - The
control elements FIG. 6 . - In addition, the
user interface 761 includes acontrol element 762F that provides a predefined control setting corresponding to a predefined pressure setting. - In one embodiment, the predefined pressure setting and corresponding control setting are established by the manufacturer or distributor of the inflatable device. In a version of this embodiment, the control setting cannot be changed by the user.
- Although not illustrated in
FIG. 7 , embodiments of theuser interface 761 may be employed with a multi-chamber inflatable device (e.g., the inflatable device 202). In these embodiments, theuser interface 761 may include a selector switch (e.g., the selector switch 664) by which the user may select the chamber for which a pressure adjustment is desired. - It will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, that the locations of each of the plurality of control elements 662, 762 may be varied from the embodiments depicted in
FIGS. 6 and 7 , and may be anywhere on the user interface. For example, thecontrol element 762A need not be centrally located in theuser interface 761, and for example, may be located at 6 o'clock on theuser interface 761 or somewhere else on the user interface. The remainder of the control elements may be similarly re-located provided that the established positions of the plurality of control elements 662, 762 are known by the user. Further, where theuser interface - As mentioned above, the
control device pressure controller 206. As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, other forms of communication may be supported by thecontrol device 604. Further,electronic circuitry 663 included in the control device may include a receiver or transceiver for the transmission of information to thepressure controller 206. - According to one embodiment, any of the control settings established by the user with the control device (e.g., the control device 604) may be wirelessly-transmitted to the
pressure controller 206. In general, the user selects the pressure (for to example, based on their interaction with the inflatable device) that provides a high degree of comfort. Thus, information corresponding to the preferred pressure setting may be transmitted to thepressure controller 206. In addition, information concerning other requested pressure changes can also be wirelessly transmitted. This information may be, for example, a control setting established by the user which corresponds to the requested pressure. The control setting may be an actual pressure value or any other control signal from which the desired pressure or pressure adjustment may be determined by thepressure controller 206. The information transmitted from the control device (e.g., the control device 604) is processed by theelectronic circuitry 226 of thepressure controller 206. In response to the information, the pressure controller may operate to adjust the pressure (if necessary) of theinflatable device 202. - In further embodiments, the above information transmission may occur via conductors (e.g., included in the tether 114) that connect the
control device 604 to thepressure controller 206. Any of the above-described embodiments of theuser interface control device - Referring now to
FIG. 8 , yet another embodiment of acontrol device 804 is illustrated. According to one embodiment, thecontrol device 804 includes afirst control element 862A, asecond control element 862B, athird control element 862C, afourth control element 869, afifth control element 870 and atether 871. In a version of this embodiment, thefirst control element 862A permits the user to establish a control setting associated with a preferred pressure in the inflatable device (e.g., establish a preferred firmness level), thesecond control element 862B permits the user to increase the pressure in the inflatable device, and thethird control element 862C permits the user to decrease the pressure in the inflatable device. According to one embodiment, thecontrol elements control elements - According to one embodiment, the
control element 869 allows the user to select a pressure setting from among a plurality of available firmness/pressure settings, e.g., super-soft, soft, medium, firm, and extra-firm. In one embodiment, the control element is a switch that slides between a plurality of positions where each position corresponds to a respective pressure setting. - In one embodiment, the
fifth control element 870 allows the user to select an automatic control feature, for example, a control mode whereby the pressure in the inflatable device is maintained substantially constant. The automatic control feature may be selected, for example, by moving thecontrol element 870 to a first position. In a version of this embodiment, thefifth control element 870 can be moved to a second position where the automatic control not active, i.e., automatic control is off. - Some embodiments of the
control device 804 may include wireless communication between thecontrol device 804 and the pressure controller. Other embodiments of thecontrol device 804 can communicate with the pressure controller via a hardwire communication link provided, for example, by thetether 871. - According to one embodiment, an inflation system for an inflatable device includes a pressure control system including a pump, a valve, a valve operator and a hand held control device. In one version, the inflation system also includes one or more pressure sensors, one or more temperature sensors and one or more position sensors.
- Referring now to
FIG. 9 , a block diagram of apressure control system 900 employed with a two chamber inflatable device is shown. The inflation system includes afirst control device 904A for a first chamber and asecond control device 904B for a second chamber. It will be recognized that the functionality of thecontrol devices control device 604. - According to one embodiment, the
pressure control system 900 also includescircuitry 926 included in a pressure controller (e.g., the pressure controller 206). In one embodiment, thecircuitry 926 includes aprocessor 972, afirst switch decoder 973A associated with thefirst control device 904A, asecond switch decoder 973B associated with thesecond control device 904B, apump controller 974, avalve controller 975, a position sensor 923 (e.g., an optical position sensor, a limit switch, etc.), afirst temperature sensor 921A and afirst pressure sensor 918A each associated with the first chamber, and asecond temperature sensor 921B and asecond pressure sensor 918B each associated with the second chamber. In a version of this embodiment, thecircuitry 926 may also include a plurality of gain and offsetmodules modules pressure sensors - The
pressure control system 900 may also includepower regulation circuitry 980 used, for example, to convert an AC line voltage to one or more regulated DC voltages employed by thecircuitry 926. In one embodiment, thepower regulation circuitry 980 may include a transformer andrectifier module 977, avoltage regulator 978 for the valve motor power supply, and avoltage regulator 979 for the logic circuitry included in thecircuitry 926. According to one embodiment, thepower regulation circuitry 980 is included in thecircuitry 926 which is located in the pressure controller (e.g., the pressure controller 206). - Further, in one embodiment, the
switch decoders pump controller 974, and thevalve controller 975 may be modules, for example, a module that includes circuitry to perform the intended function. - In general, the
pressure control system 900 operates with theprocessor 972 receiving inputs supplied from thefirst control device 904A (i.e., the first switch decoder), thesecond control device 904B (i.e., the second switch decoder), thefirst pressure sensor 918A, thefirst temperature sensor 921A, thesecond pressure sensor 918B, thesecond temperature sensor 921B, the first position sensor 923A, and the second position sensor 923B. As a result of the information received as inputs, theprocessor 972 provides a plurality of outputs including an output to thepump controller 974 and an output to thevalve controller 975 to operate each of the pump motor and the valve operator, respectively. -
FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of thepower regulation circuitry 980 which includes atransformer 981, afull wave rectifier 982, acapacitor 983 and aconnector 984. Operation of thepower regulation circuitry 980 is well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art and is briefly explained here. Thetransformer 981 reduces the AC line voltage (e.g., 120 VAC) to a lower value AC voltage (e.g., 20 VAC) which is converted to DC voltage by therectifier 982. Thecapacitor 983 averages the output of the rectifier to provide a low ripple DC voltage in the range of 14 VDC when the rectifier is under load. The DC output provided at thecapacitor 983 can be connected to control circuitry, for example, thevoltage regulator 978 for the valve motor power supply and thevoltage regulator 979 for the logic circuitry, via theconnector 984. -
FIG. 11 provides a schematic diagram of both thevoltage regulator 978 and thevoltage regulator 979. Thevoltage regulator 978 includes anadjustable voltage regulator 985,RC components 986 and anoutput 987. According to one embodiment, theoutput 987 of thevoltage regulator 978 is set to 13 VDC and theRC components 986 provide stability and noise reduction for theregulator 978 as is well known by those of ordinary skill in the art. In one embodiment, theoutput 987 provides a relatively high current (e.g., 1 Amp) regulated output that is used by thevalve controller 975 and other portions of thecircuitry 926. - The
voltage regulator 979 includes aresistor 988, a diode 989 (e.g., a zener diode), and anoutput 990. According to one embodiment, theresistor 988 and thediode 989 are configured to produce a regulated output of 5 VDC in a manner that is well known by those of ordinary skill in the art. In a version of this embodiment, theoutput 990 provides a relatively low current 5 VDC output for operation of one or more logic circuits included in thecircuitry 926. -
FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate sensing circuitry according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the sensing circuitry is employed with a single chamber of a multi-chamber inflatable device, e.g., thechamber 210A. Thus, the circuitry associated with thepressure sensor 918A, thetemperature sensor 921A, and the position sensor 923A for the first chamber is described in the following. It will be recognized that to similar circuitry may be employed with thepressure sensor 918B, thetemperature sensor 921B, and the position 923B for thesecond chamber 210B, and with sensors for any number of additional chambers that may be included in the inflatable device. - Referring now to
FIG. 12A , a schematic of thepressure sensor circuitry 1291 is illustrated. Thecircuitry 1291 includes thepressure sensor 1218A, for example, a resistive bridge differential pressure sensor. Thepressure sensor circuitry 1291 generates a pressure signal (PRESSURE A) as an output. Thecircuitry 1291 also includes afirst amplifier 1293, asecond amplifier 1294, resistors R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R8, and capacitor C2. It should be recognized that, in one embodiment, thecircuitry 1291 also includes various circuit elements included in the gain and offsetmodule 976B. - In one embodiment, the
pressure sensor 1218A is responsive to the difference between ambient pressure at the location of the inflatable device and fluid pressure in the first chamber of the device. In this embodiment, the resistors R1, R2, R5 and R6 provide bias and offset adjustment for the sensor and are selected to minimize sensor output offset and variability due to temperature changes. In addition, the capacitor C2 and resistor R4 are connected in parallel and provide a first order low pass filter to the pressure signal. - In operation, the
pressure sensor 1218A generates a first output signal (SIG+) and a second output signal (SIG−) which are supplied to an input of thefirst amplifier 1293 and an input of thesecond amplifier 1294, respectively. A differential gain is applied to the output of the pressure sensor to generate the pressure signal. In one embodiment, where the resistors R4 and R8 have substantially equal resistance, the pressure signal (i.e., Pressure A) is determined as shown here: -
Pressure A=[(SIG+)−(SIG−)][(R3+R4)/R3] Eq. (1) - According to one embodiment, the pressure signal is sensitive to changes in temperature. In a version of this embodiment, the changes in the pressure signal resulting from changes in temperature are predictable. Thus, in one embodiment, the temperature of the
pressure sensor 1218A is monitored and a corresponding temperature signal is generated. The temperature signal may be used by the controller to compensate the pressure signal for any temperature related variance and provide a more accurate pressure signal. - According to one embodiment, as illustrated in
FIG. 12B , the temperature compensation is provided by a thermistor RT1 which has a resistance that varies with changes in temperature. InFIG. 12B , it will be recognized that the thermistor is included in a voltage divider to generate a temperature signal output TEMP A. In one embodiment, the output of the voltage divider corresponds to the following, where T is the temperature of the thermistor: -
TEMP A=5V×[R12/(R12+RT(T))] - In one embodiment, the thermistor RT1 is located in close thermal proximity to the
pressure sensor 1218A to increase the accuracy of the temperature compensation by accurately approximating the temperature of thepressure sensor 1218A. The signal TEMP A is employed by the processor to more accurately determine the pressure differential between the ambient pressure and the pressure in the chamber. - According to one embodiment, the inflation system monitors the open/closed position of the valves using a separate optical position sensor (e.g.,
position sensors FIG. 12C , theoptical sensor 1223A for the first chamber (e.g., thechamber 210A) includes a light emitting circuit component such as alight emitting diode 1295, and an associated light sensitive circuit element such as aphototransistor 1296. In one version, the optical sensing circuitry provides a voltage output OPTOSENSE A. - The circuitry in
FIG. 12C operates such that thephototransistor 1296 is off and the output OPTOSENSE A is high when no light is detected by thephototransistor 1296. When thephototransistor 1296 detects light the transistor conducts and the output OPTOSENSE A is low. The signal produced at the output OPTOSENSE A is supplied to theprocessor 972. - Other types of sensing devices and associated circuitry may be used in various embodiments of the invention. For example, the pressure sensors (e.g., the
pressure sensors electronic circuitry 226. In some embodiments, the to pressure sensors provide an analog output signal corresponding to the sensed-pressure while in other embodiments the pressure sensor provides a digital output. Further, other temperature sensors (e.g., thetemperature sensors - In addition, embodiments of the invention may employ other approaches to sensing the position of the valves (e.g., the
valves - According to one embodiment, valve-position sensing is accomplished by using the position sensors (e.g., the
position sensors valve 216A). In one version, the mechanical coupling is a bar or a disk. - In one embodiment, the light emitting component (e.g., the LED 1295) and the light sensing component (e.g., the phototransistor 1296) are located such that the mechanical coupling blocks the light source from the light sensing component when the valve is in a first position and permits the transmission of the emitted light to the light sensing component when the valve is in a second position. For example, a generally solid mechanical coupling can include one or more slits or openings that are located in the coupling to provide for light transmission/light blocking such that the output OPTOSENSE A has a low output (i.e., light is detected) when the valve is open and a high output (i.e., light is not detected) when the valve is closed. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the slits or openings may be located to provide the opposite logic convention, i.e., a low output when the valve is closed and a high output when the valve is open.
- Further, as illustrated in
FIG. 4 , a single mechanical coupling may be used to connect the valve operator to a plurality of valves where a single valve operator is employed to operate each of the plurality of valves. According to one embodiment, the mechanical coupling may include slits or openings to allow light detection by the first position sensor (e.g., theposition sensor 223A) when the valve for the first chamber is open (e.g., thevalve 216A), light detection by the second position sensor (e.g., theposition sensor 223B) when the valve for the second chamber is open (e.g., thevalve 216B), and light to be detected by both the first position sensor and the second position sensor when both valves are closed (e.g., with the mechanical coupling in a neutral position). - Operation of the
valve controller 975 can also be implemented using any of a variety of approaches to control operation of the valve operator.FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic of thevalve controller 1375 in accordance with one embodiment. Thevalve controller 1375 provides a control circuit to operate two valves (e.g., thevalves single valve operator 1320 where the valve operator is a motor. Because thevalve operator 1320 may open each of the two valves, according to one embodiment, the valve operator may be operated in one of four states, a first state where the valve operator is in an off state, a second state where the valve operator operates to open a valve to the first chamber, a third state where the valve operator operates to open a valve to the right chamber, and a fourth state where the valve operator is in a braking mode. - The
valve controller 1375 includes a “H-bridge” design employing four Darlington transistors Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 to control the direction of current flow to the motor, and as a result, to control the state of the valves. The operation of the circuit is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art and is therefore only explained briefly here. - In the first state, none of the Darlington transistors is conducting and the
valve operator 1320 is de-energized. In the second state, transistors Q1 and Q6 are on, transistors Q2 and Q5 are off, and the motor rotates in a first direction. The second state can be employed to move thevalve operator 1320 such that the mechanical coupling engages and opens the valve to the first chamber (for example, from the neutral position). In addition, the second state can be employed to return the mechanical coupling to the neutral position when it has previously been engaged with and opened the valve to the second chamber. In the third state, transistors Q2 and Q5 are on, transistors Q1 and Q6 are off, and the motor operates in a second direction. The third state can be employed to move thevalve operator 1320 such that the mechanical coupling engages and opens the valve to the second chamber. In addition, the third state can be employed to return the mechanical coupling to the neutral position when it has previously been engaged with and opened the valve to the first chamber. In the fourth state, the transistors Q1 and Q2 are on, the transistors Q5 and Q6 are off and the motor operator is in a braking state. -
FIG. 14A illustrates acontrol device 1404A and aswitch decoder 1473A in one embodiment of the invention. According to one embodiment, the control device 1404 may be a hand-held control device that is tethered to a pressure controller (e.g., the pressure controller 206). As described above, the control device may include a plurality ofcontrol elements processor 972. Additional inputs WANDMUX0, WANDMUX1, WANDMUX2 are also connected to theprocessor 972. The inputs WANDMUX0, WANDMUX1, WANDMUX2 are employed to sequentially connect each of the switch inputs to the output WAND0. - A closed contact results in a logic low signal and an open contact results in a logic high signal. In operation, the processor (e.g., a
processor 1472 ofFIG. 14C ) supplies signals to the inputs WANDMUX0, WANDMUX1, WANDMUX2 to select to the switch whose corresponding multiplexer input will be supplied to the multiplexer output WAND0. According to one embodiment, theprocessor 1472 sequentially connects each of the multiplexer inputs to the multiplexer output at a rate of speed that is faster than the rate at which a user can press and release the switch. Thus, theprocessor 1472 can detect when any of the contact switches are selected and the amount of time for which any contact switch is selected. For example, in one version, the processor scans the switches every 0.001 seconds. As a result, the length of time a switch is selected can be determined to within 0.001 seconds. - According to one embodiment, the switch S1 corresponds to a user selection to increase the pressure level in the chamber, the switch S2 corresponds to a user selection to decrease the pressure level in the chamber, the switch S3 corresponds to a user selection to return to a home position, the switch S4 corresponds to a user selection to decrease the pressure in the chamber in one or more steps, and the switch S5 corresponds to a user selection to increase the pressure in the chamber in one or more steps. Further, in this embodiment, the user may increase or decrease the pressure level in the chamber within a continuous range of adjustment by pressing and holding the control element corresponding to the switch S1 and the switch S2, respectively. Thus, in one embodiment, the pressure controller may operate to adjust the pressure in the chamber where the amount of adjustment is determined by the length of time a switch remains closed (i.e., remains selected by the user). For example, where the switches S1 or S2 are selected the pressure controller may adjust the pressure without determining a pressure differential between the current chamber pressure and the desired chamber pressure.
- In one embodiment, the
multiplexer 1473A is located in the pressure controller and acommunication link 1497 allows communication between thecontrol device 1404A and themultiplexer 1473A. Thecommunication link 1497 may be a wireless communication link or, as illustrated inFIG. 14A , a hardwired communication link. Where thecommunication link 1497 is wireless, a transmitter may be included in thecontrol device 1404A to transmit signals corresponding to the switch outputs (e.g., the outputs ofcontrol elements device 1404A to themultiplexer 1473A, for example, via a receiver located in the pressure controller. - In one embodiment, the
control device 1404A includes a transceiver that allows the control device 1404 to receive signals transmitted by the pressure controller. That is, the pressure controller may transmit information to the control device. For example, the pressure controller may transmit information corresponding to the pressure of the inflatable device and the pressure may be received by the control device and displayed in the user interface, e.g., theuser interface 661. In one embodiment, the electronic circuitry (e.g., the electronic circuitry 226) includes a transceiver to both send signals to and receive signals from the control device 1404D. - The
control device 1404A may include control elements used to control the pressure in a single chamber or multiple chambers. In one embodiment, a single set of control elements (e.g.,control elements - According to one embodiment, a first control device and a second control device are employed for a first chamber and a second chamber, respectively, of the inflatable device.
FIG. 14B illustrates asecond control device 1404B for controlling the pressure in a second chamber of an inflatable device where thecontrol device 1404A provides control for the pressure in the first chamber. Where a plurality ofcontrol devices -
FIG. 14C illustrates theprocessor 1472 according to one embodiment of the invention. Theprocessor 1472 receives as inputs: a signal corresponding to the pressure in a first chamber of the inflatable device (PRESSURE0); a signal corresponding to the pressure in a second chamber of the inflatable device (PRESSURE1); a signal corresponding to the temperature of the first pressure sensor to (TEMPERATURE0); a signal corresponding to the temperature of the second pressure sensor (TEMPERATURE1); a signal corresponding to the position of the valve to the first chamber (OPTOSENSE0); a signal corresponding to the position of the valve to the second chamber (OPTOSENSE1); signals from the multiplexers (WAND0 RD, WAND1 RD), and programming inputs (PGC, PGD). In addition, theprocessor 1472 provides outputs for pump control (PUMP ON); valve operator control (VLVMTR0, VLVMTR1); and multiplexer control (WANDMUX0, WANDMUX1, WANDMUX2). - According to one embodiment, the
processor 1472 is a microcontroller such as a programmable logic device that monitors and processes logic signals and generates the appropriate output logic signals for the control of pressure in the inflatable device. In one embodiment, theprocessor 1472 includes an integral analog-to-digital (“A/D”) converter. According to one embodiment, the temperature and pressure signals are analog signals that are converted to digital signals by theprocessor 1472. In addition, the processor may also include an internal timing function (e.g., a clock signal) that allows cyclical, timed scanning of the control elements (e.g., thecontrol elements 1462A, etc.), for example, to determine which of the contacts are in a closed state and for how long. - In general, the valve operator remains de-energized while the processor first scans the state of the control elements. In one embodiment, the
processor 1472 detects when a control element transitions to a closed state and, in response, determines which chamber is affected and whether the user is requesting a pressure increase or a pressure decrease. Theprocessor 1472 supplies a signal to the valve operator (e.g., the signal VLVMTR0 or VLVMTR1) to operate the correct valve while monitoring the output of the position sensors, e.g., 223A, 223B. The valve operator is de-energized when the output of the position sensors indicates that that valve is in the correct position. In this embodiment, the pump is turned on if inflation is required as a result of the user's input to the control device 1404. - In one embodiment, the
processor 1472 generates a value indicative of the pressure differential between the chamber pressure and the ambient pressure. As the to pressure in the chamber is adjusted, the value indicative of the pressure differential is periodically compared to a target value determined by the state of the control elements (e.g., thecontrol element 1462A) selected by the user. When the value indicative of the pressure differential corresponds to the target value the current pressure adjustment is complete, i.e., enough fluid has been either added to or released from the chamber. Theprocessor 1472 provides a signal to the valve operator to close the open valve. If fluid was added to the chamber, theprocessor 1472 also provides a signal to turn off the pump. According to one embodiment, the pump is turned off when the position sensors indicate that the mechanical coupling is in a position where the valves to each chamber are closed, e.g., in a neutral position. -
FIG. 14D illustrates an embodiment where the PUMP ON signal is a logic HI signal that operates the transistor Q9 to energize the coil of a pump relay which then operates to close a set of contacts that operate at 120 VAC to turn the pump motor on. -
FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate a flow diagram of aprocess 1000 for monitoring and controlling the pressure in an inflatable device according to one embodiment. In general, the user requests an adjustment of the pressure in the inflatable device by selecting a control element. Referring toFIG. 7 , for example, if the inflatable device is at the super-soft level of inflation and the control element for a firm level of inflation is selected (e.g., thecontrol element 762D) the pressure controller operates to change the pressure level from super-soft to firm by adding fluid to the selected chamber. If the inflatable device is already at the firm level, a change in pressure is not required. Similarly, where the inflatable device is at the pressure associated with the extra-firm setting, a selection of the firm setting results in the pressure controller operating to decrease the pressure by releasing fluid from the selected chamber. - At Stage 1001 a pressure control system monitors the inputs from the control device to determine whether any control elements are selected. If no control elements are selected, the process returns to the start of
Stage 1001. If a control element is selected, however, the process proceeds to Stage 1002 where the chamber associated with the selected control element is determined. Of course,Stage 1002 may be unnecessary in a single-chamber inflatable device. AtStage 1004, the existing to pressure in the selected chamber is determined. AtStage 1006, the difference in pressure between the existing pressure in the chamber and the selected pressure is determined. If no difference in pressure exists (for example, if a user requests the firm pressure level when the device is already at the firm pressure level), the process returns toStage 1001. Otherwise, the process continues atStage 1008 where it is determined whether a pressure decrease is required. If a pressure decrease is required to adjust the pressure of the selected chamber to the desired pressure level, atStage 1010, the valve to the chamber is opened to allow fluid to escape from the chamber. AtStage 1012, the pressure control system continues to monitor the pressure in the chamber until the selected pressure is reached. AtStage 1014, the valve to the chamber is closed when the selected pressure is reached.Stage 1014 may include an operation whereby a position sensor provides feedback concerning the position of the valve. - It should also be apparent that, in various embodiments, the stages illustrated in
FIGS. 15A and 15B need not occur only in the sequence illustrated and that theprocess 1000 may include fewer stages, additional stages, and stages occurring in a different sequence. For example,stage 1008 may be replaced with a stage in which it is determined whether a pressure increase is required. In this approach, the process proceeds to Stage 1018 if an increase is required, and proceeds to Stage 1010 if a pressure decrease is required. - Further, it may be unnecessary to determine a pressure difference where a pressure adjustment is initiated with the selection of a control element associated with a continuous range of adjustment. For example, where a control element such as the
element 762B (firmer) orelement 762C (softer) are selected, a change in pressure is generally required. Thus, theprocess 1000 may bypassStage 1006 and proceed to Stage 1008 to determine whether the pressure should be increased or decreased. As described previously, the amount of the change in pressure may be determined by the length of time the control element is selected by the user. - Referring to
Stage 1008, a pressure increase is required when the pressure to difference determined atStage 1006 indicates that the selected pressure is greater than the existing pressure in the chamber. AtStage 1018, the processor provides a signal to open the valve. In one embodiment, the pressure control system confirms that the valve is open, atStage 1020, before the pump motor is energized. Once the processor receives a signal from the position sensor indicating that the valve is open, the pump motor is started atStage 1022 and fluid is added to the chamber. It should be apparent, however, that in other embodiments, the valve may be opened as the pump is turned on. AtStage 1024, the pressure control system continues to monitor the pressure in the chamber to determine if the selected pressure is reached. AtStage 1026, the valve is closed when the selected pressure is reached. In one embodiment, where a single motor operated pump is employed to inflate multiple chambers, the motor is not turned off until the processor detects that the valve for each chamber is closed. According to this embodiment, atStage 1028, the system determines whether the valves are closed. AtStage 1030, the pump motor is turned off if the valves are closed. - In addition, in some embodiments, the pressure controller (e.g., the pressure controller 206) may be employed to automatically maintain a pressure in the inflatable device, for example, to maintain the user's preferred pressure. For example, the system may include an “auto-on” feature that automatically monitors and adjusts the pressure in the inflatable device.
Stage 1032 illustrated inFIG. 15A provides one approach for maintaining a minimum pressure in a chamber of an inflatable device where, for example, the user has previously established a preferred pressure. In one embodiment,Stage 1032 can be included in theprocess 1000 as shown inFIG. 15A where it may be executed concurrently with some of the previously-described stages of the process. With the auto-on feature active, atStage 1032, the processor determines whether the pressure in the inflatable device is less than the pressure value previously established by the user (e.g., a setpoint). If the pressure is not lower than the setpoint, the process continues to monitor the actual pressure relative to the setpoint atStage 1032. If the pressure has dropped below the setpoint, then the process continues atStage 1018, as described previously, to increase the pressure in to the chamber until the selected pressure is reached (i.e., the setpoint) as determined atStage 1024. - In a version of the preceding embodiment, the
process 1000 may be employed to maintain a pressure corresponding to the setpoint. That is, the pressure controller may not only add fluid to increase the chamber pressure but is may also operate to release fluid from the chamber if the pressure has increased above the setpoint, for example, as a result of an increase in the ambient temperature where the inflatable device is located. -
Stage 1033 illustrated inFIG. 15A illustrates one approach to maintaining the inflatable device at or below a minimum pressure. With the auto-on feature active, atStage 1033, the processor determines whether the pressure in the inflatable device is greater than the pressure value previously established (e.g., a setpoint) for the maximum allowable pressure. If the pressure is not greater than the setpoint, the process continues to monitor the actual pressure relative to the setpoint atStage 1033. If the pressure has increased above the setpoint, then the process continues atStage 1010, as described previously, to decrease the pressure in the chamber until the selected pressure is reached (i.e., the setpoint) as determined atStage 1012. - According to one embodiment, the user employs the
control device 604 and one or more control elements 662 to establish the setpoint. The user then transmits the setpoint or information corresponding to the setpoint to thepressure controller 206 where it is stored in memory included in theelectronic circuitry 226. - According to another embodiment, the pressure controller may include a “pressure-relief” setting that automatically reduces the pressure in the inflatable device to a pre-set value when an established maximum pressure is sensed. In various embodiments, the maximum pressure may be established by the user (for example, using the control device 604) or by a manufacturer or distributor of the inflatable device. In these embodiments, the pressure controller may operate to open the valve and exhaust fluid from a chamber when the pressure controller determines that the pressure in the chamber exceeds the maximum value, for example, as described above with reference to
Stage 1033. - Referring now to
FIG. 16 , in one embodiment, the system (e.g., thesystem 100, 900) is employed with an inflatable device 1602 that includes a plurality of chambers. In the illustrated embodiment, a first chamber 1610 is a comfort layer and a second chamber 1697 is a support layer. In one embodiment, a pressure controller (e.g., the pressure controller 106) is fluidly coupled to the first chamber 1610 and the first chamber is fluidly coupled by a valve 1698 to the second chamber 1697. The valve 1698 can be a self-sealing valve. In addition, the valve can be a one-way valve for example a check valve that allows fluid to enter the second chamber from the first chamber. - Referring now to
FIG. 23A , amattress 2360 may include abladder 2362 and the mattress may be set on aframe 2364. Thebladder 2362 may be fluidly coupled to a pressure controller as previously described. -
FIG. 23B illustrates an embodiment where themattress 2366 includes a combination of aninflatable bladder 2367 and acompressible layer 2368 that can provide a greater degree of comfort than themattress 2360 illustrated inFIG. 23A . According to one embodiment, thebladder 2367 is relatively thin, that is, it may be 2″ thick, or less than 2″ thick when fully inflated. The compressible layer may be a layer of foam, an inner spring or other structure that can compress when weight is placed upon it. According to one embodiment, thecompressible layer 2368 interacts with theinflatable bladder 2367 to distribute the weight of the user in a manner that increases the user's level of comfort and allows the user to feel subtle changes in pressure within the inflatable bladder. - In various embodiments, the
inflatable bladder 2367 may be coupled to a pressure controller as previously described. Further, a control device (e.g., the control device 2204) may be employed to adjust the firmness of the inflatable device as described above. In addition, various multi-layer embodiments may include three or more layers which may include either or both of a plurality of inflatable bladders and a plurality of compressible layers. According to one embodiment, theinflatable bladder 2367 and thecompressible layer 2368 are integrated into an upper layer of a to mattress of conventional size, shape and appearance. -
FIGS. 17A-17D illustrate inflatable devices that may be employed with a system (e.g., thesystem FIG. 17A illustrates a seat cushion,FIG. 17B illustrates a travel pillow,FIG. 17C illustrates a headrest pillow, andFIG. 17D illustrates a lumbar pillow. In various embodiments, each of the inflatable devices 1702 may be employed with a pressure controller (e.g., the pressure controller 102), a control device (e.g., the control device 104), and a pump (e.g., the pump 108). The fluid couplings for coupling the pressure controller to the pump and to the chamber can be adapted to suit the type of inflatable device with which the controller and pump are employed, for example, a flexible conduit can be employed to couple the pressure controller to the inflatable device. Each of the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 17A-17D may, for example, be employed with an inflatable device as an accessory device as previously described with reference toFIG. 1 . In these embodiments a port 1751 may be fluidly coupled to thepump 108, for example, by a fluid conduit. In one embodiment, the port 1751 includes a self-sealing valve. - Further, each of the pressure control systems illustrated herein may include any of a variety of embodiments of the pressure controller. As illustrated in
FIG. 18 , apressure controller 1806 may include ahousing 1854 in which anintegral pump 1808, afirst valve 1816A, asecond valve 1816B, afirst valve operator 1820A and asecond valve operator 1820B are located. According to one embodiment, thevalve operators valve operators mechanical coupling valves - In one embodiment, the
pressure controller 1806 is fluidly coupled to an inflatable device that includes afirst chamber 1810A and asecond chamber 1810B. In this embodiment, fluid enters and exits thechambers single valve - According to one embodiment, the
pressure controller 1806 includes anelectromechanical device 1855 that biases acontrol arm 1857 to isolate thechambers pump 1808, i.e., to provide a fluid tight seal between thepump 1808 and thevalves electromechanical device 1855 biases thecontrol arm 1857 to one of two positions to either allow fluid to be provided to or exhausted from thefirst chamber 1810A or thesecond chamber 1810B. In particular, theelectromechanical device 1855 biases thecontrol arm 1857 so as to seal off one of the valves from the pump so that fluid can only be provided to or exhausted from one chamber at a time. For example, thefirst chamber 1810A may be filled with fluid from thepump 1808, wherein thevalve 1816A opens up under pressure of fluid provided by thepump 1808. With this condition, thecontrol arm 1857 is rotated under influence from theelectromechanical device 1855 to a position to seal off thevalve 1816B from thepump 1808 such that fluid is prevented from being provided to thesecond chamber 1810B. It is to be appreciated that with this arrangement, thecontrol arm 1857 can also be rotated to a second position to seal off thefirst chamber 1810A from thepump 1808, such that fluid is prevented from being provided to thefirst chamber 1810A. In the second position of thecontrol arm 1857, fluid can be exhausted from or provided to thesecond chamber 1810B. In other words, in one embodiment of thepressure controller 1806 ofFIG. 18 , only one of the two chambers may be inflated or exhausted at any one time. It is thus to be appreciated that with the arrangement ofFIG. 18 , one chamber cannot be inflated at the same time that the second chamber is deflated. It should also be appreciated that theelectromechanical device 1855 may not be included in some embodiments which employ an overseal (e.g., the overseal 236B). - A variety of pumps or other fluid moving devices may be employed with the inflatable device where the pump selection may depend, in part, on the fluid with which the chamber is filled. For example, where the chamber is filled with air, the
pump 1808 may be an air pump that includes amotor 1809 and animpeller 1811. Thepump 1808 can also be located remote from thepressure controller 1806 where thepump 1808 and thecontroller 1806 are fluidly coupled by a fluid conduit. -
FIG. 19 illustrates another embodiment of apressure controller 1906 that may include anintegral pump 1908. Thepressure controller 1906 differs from thepressure controller 1806 because thepressure controller 1906 includes a single valve operator 1920 (e.g., a motor) that can operate in a plurality of positions to alternatively open each of a plurality ofvalves valve operator 1920 may open thevalves mechanical coupling 1922. - In addition, in one embodiment, a
shaft 1959 may also be mechanically coupled to thevalve operator 1920 and thecontrol arm 1957 to selectively isolate thevalves pump 1908 generally in the manner described with reference toFIG. 18 . However, in this embodiment, theelectromechanical device 1855 is not required. Instead, thecontrol arm 1957 is operated by thevalve operator 1920 to fluidly couple the pump to the chamber that is being inflated or deflated while the remaining chamber remains isolated. - Embodiments of the system (e.g., the
system FIG. 20 , the inflatable device includes a chamber 2010 (e.g., an inflatable bladder) where thepressure controller 2006 includes avalve housing 2007 and apump 2008 that are located within a profile of thechamber 2010. According to one embodiment, a valve, electronic circuitry, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and a valve operator are included in thepressure controller 2006. In one embodiment, electric power is supplied to thepressure controller 2006 via anelectrical cord 2017. - In various embodiments, a hand held control device may be employed with any of the
pressure controllers - The valves employed with the pressure control system may include any of a variety of valves. For example, the valves may include a diaphragm including either a flexible diaphragm, a semi-rigid diaphragm, or a rigid diaphragm. The valves may be mechanically coupled to a valve operator that is employed to open and close the valve. In some embodiments, the valve is a self-sealing valve that is biased closed by a spring or other structure included in the valve. In versions of these embodiments, to the self-sealing valve may be biased open by the pressure of the fluid that is exhausted from the outlet of the pump (e.g., the pump 108) included in the pressure control system.
-
FIG. 21A is a cross sectional view of one embodiment of a self-sealing valve assembly that can be used with embodiments of the pressure control system described above.FIG. 21A illustrates thevalve 2116 in a closed position. This embodiment and other embodiments of a self-sealing valve assembly are described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,621 owned by applicant, which is incorporated herein by reference. - According to one embodiment, the self-sealing valve includes a single port, that provides for inflation, deflation and comfort control of the inflatable device in which the self-sealing valve is integrated. The self-sealing
valve 2116 self-opens upon inflation of the device by an inflation device, for example, by turning the pump on, and self-seals upon cessation of inflation. - In one embodiment, the single fluid port may have an unobstructed fluid path that is greater than approximately 0.25 inches in diameter. However, it is to be appreciated that the single fluid port may have other diameters to accommodate different inflatable devices sizes and fluid flow parameters.
- Referring to
FIGS. 21B and 21C , there are illustrated various views of the embodiment of the self-sealingvalve 2116 ofFIG. 21A in an open position when employed with an air fluid system. Some of the structure that allows for the self-sealing valve to operate as herein described includes adiaphragm 2102 positioned within avalve housing 2106 by amovable hanger arm 2110 which suspends the diaphragm from amounting point 2112 in the center of anair inlet 2114. Thehanger arm 2110 is a rotating diaphragm hanger that is removably contained within theair inlet 2114 of thevalve housing 2106, with one end secured adjacent to aninner wall 2118 of theair inlet 2114. A point of attachment of the one end of thehanger arm 2110 to theinner wall 2118 is configured to allow thehanger arm 2110 to pivot downward into thevalve housing 2106, a motion which unseats thediaphragm 2102 from avalve seat 2120, in a closed position, and opens an airpath into the bladder of to the chamber to allow for both inflation and deflation of the surface comfort layer device. - According to one embodiment of the self-sealing
valve 2116, thehanger arm 2110 flares outward towards theinner wall 2118 of theair inlet 2114 creating a “paddle”surface 2122 which occupies some of theair inlet 2114. Thepaddle surface 2122 of thehanger arm 2110 provides stability to theflexible diaphragm 2102 as it rotates with thehanger arm 2110 from the closed position to the open position. Thepaddle surface 2122 of thehanger arm 2110 may also facilitate manipulation of thehanger arm 2110 by, for example, a valve operator and an associated mechanical coupling, to control a pressure of the inflatable device in which the self-sealing valve is integrated. An embodiment of amechanical coupling 2133 is illustrated in phantom inFIG. 21C . Thepaddle surface 2122 projects outward to apoint 2126, extending the length of thehanger arm 2110. This projection bears upon theflexible diaphragm 2102, thereby preventing it from flexing upward when thehanger arm 2110 is pressed downward for firmness control or deflation. - The
hanger arm 2110 may be secured within theair inlet 2114 with, for example, a pair of hinge pins 2134. In one example, there is a contouredsection 2148 between the hinge pins 2134 of the inner wall of at least one of the brackets and theinner wall 2118 of theair inlet 2114. The contouredsection 2148 interfaces with acontoured end 2150 of the projecting tabs to provide a plurality of distinct interaction possibilities. A first possibility exists whensurface 2151 on the projecting tabs bears onsurface 2152 of the inner wall, restricting rotation of the arm above a horizontal position, thereby securing the valve diaphragm in a substantially closed position. - A second possibility exists when a
beveled surface 2155 on the projecting tab bears oncounter-beveled surface 2156 on the wall. An inclined angle of thiscounter-beveled surface 2156 causes the projecting tab to increasingly compress inward as thehanger arm 2110 is pressed downward into thevalve housing 2106. This may occur both during inflation (by air pressure or deflection of the hanger arm by the valve operator) and deflation (deflection of the hanger arm engaged by the valve operator to unseat the valve from the valve seat). The compression of the projecting tab also results in a counter action, so that, with removal of the downward pressure the tab “springs back” to its original position and forces thehanger arm 2110 anddiaphragm 2102 to return to the closed position. When thehanger arm 2110 is depressed fully (for example at the maximum stroke of the valve operator), the projecting tabs rotate slightly beyond thecounter-beveled surface 2156 and lock the rotating arm in a locked open position. This locked open position maximizes airflow through the valve housing and will, under certain conditions improve efficiency of both inflation and deflation. - Referring now to
FIG. 24A , an apparatus for storing ahandheld control device 2470 is illustrated according to various embodiments of the invention. In accordance with one embodiment, theapparatus 2470 includes a base 2472 with anarm 2474 projecting from the base. In one embodiment, thearm 2474 includes aproximate end 2475 and adistal end 2473. Further, theapparatus 2470 may also include a receivingmember 2476 which in some embodiments may include a housing and/or receptacle. In various embodiments,apparatus 2470 may be configured to receive any of a wireless handheld control device and/or a hardwired (e.g., tethered) handheld control device. - In general, the
apparatus 2470 is configured to locate acontrol device 2404 within reach of a user while the user is employing an inflatable device. Embodiments of theapparatus 2470 may be employed with all types of inflatable devices. In particular, embodiments of theapparatus 2470 may be employed with one or more body support devices such as mattresses, pillows, seat cushions, lumbar support devices and/or body pillows. According to various embodiments, the receivingmember 2476 is configured to both secure thecontrol device 2404 to theapparatus 2470 and to allow the user to remove the control device from the apparatus, e.g., when the user is employing the inflatable device. Accordingly, the user may employ theapparatus 2470 to locate [e.g. removably locate] thecontrol device 2404 in a known location that is easily accessed when the user is employing the inflation device and which allows operation of the control device from multiple positions including those provided with thecontrol device 2404 received by theapparatus 2470. Thus, in some to embodiments, theapparatus 2470 allows the user to more easily operate thecontrol device 2404 to adjust an inflation level of the inflatable device while the user maintains contact with the inflatable device. For example, embodiments allow the user to employ thecontrol device 2404 to adjust the inflation level while the user maintains contact with the inflatable device when thecontrol device 2404 is received by theapparatus 2470. - According to one embodiment, the
base 2472 is configured to secure theapparatus 2470 adjacent the inflatable device. In one embodiment, thearm 2474 projects substantially perpendicular from thebase 2472. Further, in one embodiment, the receivingmember 2476 is located at thedistal end 2473 of thearm 2474 while theproximate end 2475 is connected to thebase 2472. It should be recognized that the receivingmember 2476 need not be located at thedistal end 2473 but may instead be located at any other position along the length of thearm 2474. In various embodiments, the receivingmember 2476 is configured to allow the secure storage of thecontrol device 2404 while also facilitating easy attachment and removal of thecontrol device 2404 to and from, respectively, theapparatus 2470. - Referring now to
FIG. 24B , theapparatus 2470 is illustrated without thecontrol device 2404.FIG. 24B illustrates one embodiment of the receivingmember 2476. In this embodiment, the receivingmember 2476 includes abase 2478, a first sidewall 2479 and asecond sidewall 2480. Thebase 2478 and the first andsecond sidewalls 2479, 2480 define anopening 2481 in which thecontrol device 2404 is received. In one embodiment, the first andsecond side walls 2479, 2480 are attached at opposite sides of thebase 2478. Further, in some embodiments, the side walls may include arim control device 2404 within the opening.FIG. 24B also illustrates an embodiment of theapparatus 2470 where thebase 2472 includes aflange 2477 to which the proximate end of thearm 2474 is attached. - As illustrated in
FIG. 24A , in some embodiments, theopening 2481 is configured to allow access to the control elements of thecontrol device 2404 when thecontrol device 2404 is received by the receivingmember 2476. Accordingly, to these embodiments allow the user to manipulate and/or activate the control elements when thecontrol device 2404 is received by the receivingmember 2476. - As is described in further detail below, the receiving
member 2476 may take a variety of forms. For example, the receivingmember 2476 may provide a structure that allows thecontrol device 2404 to be located at any of the plurality of locations along thearm 2474. Such a structure may be provided via a plurality of fixed locations along thearm 2474. Alternatively, or in combination therewith, a structure including a plurality of positions may be provided via one or more adjustable elements of theapparatus 2470. In one embodiment, the adjustment(s) allow the user to adjust the location of the receivingmember 2476. - According to various embodiments, the
base 2472 may include any structure that allows theapparatus 2470 to be securely located adjacent the inflatable device. Here, the term securely refers to the fact that theapparatus 2470 is located in a substantially fixed location that remains fixed during normal use of the inflatable device. As will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, these embodiments of theapparatus 2470 also allow the user to adjust and reposition theapparatus 2470 and/or receivingmember 2476 with respect to the inflatable device. For example, a first user may prefer to locate theapparatus 2470 closer to the head of a mattress. A second user, however, may prefer to locate theapparatus 2470 nearer the user's waist or on an opposite side of the mattress. Embodiments of theapparatus 2470 allow the relocation of the apparatus to a plurality of locations adjacent the inflatable device with which it is used. Accordingly, embodiments of theapparatus 2470 allow the relocation of thecontrol device 2404, when received by the receivingmember 2476, to a plurality of locations with respect to the inflatable device. - In various embodiments, the
base 2472 need not include a shape that is substantially flat. Instead, thebase 2472 may be any shape and include any structure that allows theapparatus 2470 to be securely located adjacent the inflatable device. For example, thebase 2472 may include a clamp or other hardware that allows the base to be attached to the inflatable device, a frame of the inflatable device or to adjacent structure such as a headboard, or a table/nightstand located adjacent the to inflatable device. - Referring now to
FIG. 25A , there is illustrated anapparatus 2470 is shown in use with an inflatable device. In the illustrated embodiment, the inflatable device is included in amattress 2482. However, embodiments of theapparatus 2470 may be employed with all forms of inflatable devices that provide support for all or a portion of a user's body. In one embodiment, themattress 2482 is included in a bed that includes afoundation 2484 that supports themattress 2482 above the floor. - According to one embodiment, the
base 2472 of theapparatus 2470 is inserted between themattress 2482 and thefoundation 2484 to locate the apparatus (including the receiving member 2476) at a suitable location which is easily accessed by a person using the bed. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, theflange 2477 provides a lip that may engage thefoundation 2484 such that thearm 2474 and receivingmember 2476 are located proximate the inflatable device when thebase 2472 is fully inserted between themattress 2482 and thefoundation 2484. - Referring now to
FIG. 25B , theapparatus 2470 is illustrated with thecontrol device 2404 removed from it. For example, a user lying on theinflatable device 2482 may desire to have thecontrol device 2404 in-hand to adjust the inflation level of theinflatable device 2482. Following an inflation adjustment, the user may returncontrol device 2404 to the apparatus by placing it in the receivingelement 2476. Theapparatus 2470 provides the user ready access to the receivingmember 2476 and consequently thecontrol device 2404 when it is received by the receiving member. Accordingly, the user lying on the mattress is aware of the location of thecontrol device 2404. Further, theapparatus 2470 allows the control device to be stored in a location that is conveniently accessed yet out of the way. - According to one embodiment, the user may locate the receiving
element 2476 within reach when employing the inflatable device. Such an approach allows the user to manipulate and/or activate the control elements of thecontrol device 2404 without removing the control device from the receiving member. Thus, in some embodiments, the user may adjust the inflation level of the inflatable device without removing thecontrol device 2404 from the receivingmember 2476. - According to the illustrated embodiment the
apparatus 2470 also allows the user to adjust the location of theapparatus 2470 and consequently the receivingmember 2476 to any of a variety of positions by moving theapparatus 2470 laterally to the left or right as illustrated with reference toFIG. 25B . That is, thebase 2472 may be slid between themattress 2482 and thefoundation 2484 to a variety of lateral positions. A foundation may include any structure that themattress 2482 may rest upon including the floor. For example, the foundation may include a frame, springs and/or other structure suitable for supporting themattress 2482. - Although, as illustrated, the
arm 2474 ofapparatus 2470 is fixed, other embodiments may include an arm that is adjustable to a plurality of positions with or without adjusting the position ofbase 2472. For example, thearm 2474 may be telescoping such that the elevation of the receivingmember 2476 may be adjusted to any of a plurality of positions where the plurality of positions are at different elevations relative to one another. Further, thearm 2474 may be attached to thebase 2472 in a manner that allows the arm to be pivoted and to be rotated about the point of attachment. According to one embodiment, thearm 2474 or a portion thereof is rotatable about a point of rotation located somewhere from theproximate end 2473 to thedistal end 2475 of thearm 2474. In this embodiment, thearm 2474 may be adjustable to a plurality of positions through a substantially arcuate movement that allows simultaneous adjustment of both elevation and lateral position of the receivingmember 2476. Alternate embodiments can provide an adjustment based on a primarily linear movement or a combination of linear and arcuate movement. - Thus, various embodiments provide an
apparatus 2470 adapted to allow the receivingmember 2476 to be moved through a plurality of positions in any direction. According to one embodiment, any combination of position adjustments may be made to the receiving member (for example, 360 degrees of movement relative to the then current position of the receiving member 2476). - The receiving
member 2476 may include any of a variety of structure provided that the receivingmember 2476 is configured both to securely and removeably receive thecontrol device 2404. For example, in one embodiment, theapparatus 2470 includes a strip of hook and loop fasteners (i.e., VELCRO) that may be affixed either on or adjacent to the inflatable device. According to one embodiment, a vertical strip of hook and loop fasteners is attached to bedding within reach of the user. Such a strip of hook and loop fasteners may, in various embodiments, be fixed in alternate positions, for example, horizontally, diagonally, etc. either on or adjacent to the inflatable device. Further to these embodiments, thecontrol device 2404 is provided with a corresponding set of hook and loop fasteners such that it may be placed in engagement with theapparatus 2470 to locate thecontrol device 2404 proximate the inflatable device. In other embodiments, theapparatus 2470 includes pins, clamps, buttons, snaps or other fasteners suitable for securing the apparatus with a receivingmember 2476 including a hook and loop fastener (or other structure) adjacent to the inflatable device. These embodiments may provide an embodiment of theapparatus 2470 where the plurality of locations are included along a strip of hook and loop fasteners. - The apparatus provides further advantages for the user of an inflatable device. For example, in one embodiment, the
apparatus 2470 is configured to locate the handheld control device with respect to the inflatable device to be within reach of the user while the user is reclined on an inflatable device without the user adjusting from a reclined posture and without the user removing thecontrol device 2404 from the receivingmember 2476. In yet another embodiment, theapparatus 2470 is employed with an inflatable device that includes posture control. According to one embodiment, theapparatus 2470 is configured to locate the handheld control device with respect to the inflatable device to be within reach of the user while the user remains reclined on an inflatable device without the user adjusting a posture setting of the inflatable device and without the user removing thecontrol device 2404 from the receivingmember 2476. - Various embodiments of the
apparatus 2470 may be employed to locate a valve (or other means of manual adjustment of the inflation level in an inflatable device) within reach of the user while the user employs the inflatable device, for example, without the user adjusting from a reclined position. According to one to embodiment, theapparatus 2470 is employed with valve connected to the inflatable device by a conduit. According to this embodiment, theapparatus 2470 may include the previously-illustratedbase 2472 andarm 2474 with a receiving member (e.g., the receiving member 2476) configured to receive and removably secure the valve. - According to one embodiment, the
base 2472 is configured to secure theapparatus 2470 adjacent the inflatable device. In one embodiment, thearm 2474 projects substantially perpendicular from thebase 2472. Further, in one embodiment, the receivingmember 2476 is located at thedistal end 2473 of thearm 2474 while theproximate end 2475 is connected to thebase 2472. It should be recognized that the receivingmember 2476 need not be located at thedistal end 2473 but may instead be located at any other position along the length of thearm 2474. In various embodiments, the receivingmember 2476 is configured to allow the secure storage of thecontrol device 2404 while also facilitating easy attachment and removal of thecontrol device 2404 to and from, respectively, theapparatus 2470. - Various embodiments of the invention may include a receiving
member 2688 as illustrated inFIG. 26A . The receivingmember 2688 may be employed with a variety ofcontrol devices 2604, for example, wireless control devices or hardwired control devices. The receivingmember 2688 may be configured to receive acontrol device 2604 in any of the previously described configurations or combinations thereof. - As previously described herein, the
control device 2604 may include a power source. Further, the power source may be a battery power source which may include rechargeable batteries or non-rechargeable batteries. According to one embodiment, the receivingmember 2688 is employed with ahardwired control device 2604 and the receivingmember 2688 is not connected to a source of external power. Alternatively, the receivingmember 2688 may be connected to an external power source that is employed to recharge a rechargeable power source integral to the control device 2604 (e.g., trickle charge). For example, the receivingmember 2688 may be connected to an external 120 volt power source which is converted by rechargingcircuitry 2698 to a voltage and current suitable for recharging a power source integral to the control todevice 2604 when thecontrol device 2604 is received by the receiving member. Further, therecharging circuitry 2698 may include either or both of power conversion circuitry and current limiting elements. According to one embodiment, the recharging circuitry includes one or more of a transformer and rectifier. In a further embodiment, therecharging circuitry 2698 is located external to the receivingmember 2688, while in an alternative embodiment, therecharging circuitry 2698 is included as a part of the receivingmember 2688. In a further embodiment, a receivingmember 2688, which is connected to an external power source, is employed with a hardwired control device that does not require recharging. In other words, the available recharging circuitry may be provided but not used, or may not be included at all. - The receiving
member 2688 may be employed in various configurations. For example, in one embodiment, the receivingmember 2688 may be included with theapparatus 2470 for storing a control device as previously described with reference toFIGS. 24A through 25B . - Other features of the
control device 2604 were previously described herein. For example, the control device may include auser interface 2661 that includes a plurality of control elements 2662. Further, thecontrol device 2604 may include ahousing 2660 that is configured for handheld use. According to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 26A , thecontrol device 2604 includes arim 2691 with asurface 2695 that slopes radially inward from the rim towards thecontrol elements 2695. A first set ofcontrol elements surface 2695. As illustrated in the embodiment shown inFIG. 26A , a centrally locatedcontrol element 2662A may be included in a further recessedsurface 2696. According to one embodiment, the overall configuration of thecontrol device 2604 and thehousing 2660 recess the control elements 2662 to help prevent accidental adjustments to the inflation level of the inflation device that thecontrol device 2604 is employed with. - Referring now to
FIG. 26B the receivingmember 2688 is illustrated with thecontrol device 2604 removed from it. In the illustrated embodiment, the receivingmember 2688 includes abase 2690 and asidewall 2692 connected to a periphery of to thebase 2690. In various embodiments, the height of thesidewall 2692 may vary relative to thebase 2690 while in some embodiments thesidewall 2692 may include a more uniform height. The overall configuration of thesidewalls 2692 andbase 2690, in the illustrated embodiment, define a recess that is configured to retain thecontrol device 2604 and in particular, thehousing 2660 when it is received by the receivingmember 2688. Further, the sidewalls either alone or in combination with other structure not illustrated may provide asurface 2697 on which the receivingmember 2688 rests when it is placed on, for example, a flat surface. In some embodiments, the receivingmember 2688 may include additional structure or hardware that allow the receivingmember 2688 to be attached to theapparatus 2470 as described previously with reference toFIGS. 24A through 25B . - Additional structure may be provided as part of the receiving
member 2688 to help secure and properly align thecontrol device 2604 when received by the receivingmember 2688. For example, the receiving member may includetabs 2694 orprojections 2693 or some combination of these and/or other structural features to accomplish the purpose of properly aligning and releasably securing thecontrol device 2604 to the receivingmember 2688. In the illustrated embodiment, thetab 2694 projects inward from thesidewall 2692. In a version of this embodiment, thecontrol device 2604 includes a corresponding receptacle which mates with thetab 2694 when thecontrol device 2604 is properly aligned and positioned within the receivingmember 2688. - In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving
member 2688 includeselectrical receptacles control device 2604 to therecharging circuitry 2698 to recharge a power source located in thecontrol device 2604. For example thereceptacle control device 2604 will include corresponding structure and/or corresponding electrical contacts to mate with electrical contacts provided in thereceptacles control device 2604 is properly aligned and set in the receivingmember 2688. The electrical contacts may include any of a variety of structure well known by those of ordinary skill in the art including male and female pins, flat contact surfaces, etc. Theprojections 2693 may be employed to properly align thecontrol device 2604 in the receivingmember 2688. This function may include alignment and control of the depth of penetration of elements of thecontrol device 2604 that extend into thereceptacles control device 2604 is received by the receivingmember 2688. In other words, theprotrusions 2693 may provide structure that controls a contact engagement and/or penetration between the electrical contacts included in the receivingmember 2688 and the contacts included in thecontrol device 2604. - Referring now to
FIG. 27 , there is illustrated one embodiment of acontrol device 2730 that can be used with a fluid controller and an inflatable device according to an embodiment of the invention, for example, thecontrol device 2730 may be employed with thepressure controller 206 described herein. It is to be appreciated that one embodiment of an inflatable device can include a substantially fluid impermeable bladder and a fluid controller that comprises an electrically powered pump at least partly positioned within bladder, such as disclosed herein with reference toFIG. 20 and in applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,363. In addition, embodiments of thecontrol device 2730 may be employed with systems such as thesystems FIGS. 1 and 2 , respectively. Further, embodiments of the control device, for example,control devices control device 2730 or at least the functionality of thecontrol device 2730 described herein. - The bladder may be constructed in any manner and of any material(s) capable of retaining a desired fluid under a degree of pressure necessary for its intended application. For example, the bladder may be constructed of a substantially fluid impermeable barrier and may be shaped in accordance with its intended use. Where bladder is intended for use as a mattress, bladder may be constructed in the shape and thickness of a conventional mattress. For example, the inflatable devices may include a mattress as illustrated in
FIGS. 1-3 , 23A and 23B. - The following aspects of embodiments of bladders may be included in various embodiments of the chambers and the bladders described herein (e.g., the
chamber 100, thebladder 2362, etc.). For example, the bladder may include internal structure, such as ribs or partitions. For example, the bladder may be divided into two or more separate fluid containing compartments. The bladder may also include internal structure to control the movement of fluid within the bladder. For example, the bladder may include baffles or walls within the bladder to improve the flow of fluid when the bladder is inflated or deflated. - A wall of the bladder may be any thickness required to substantially contain a fluid under pressures at which the bladder will be used. A thickness of the wall of the bladder (e.g., the bladder 2362) may depend upon material from which the bladder is constructed. For example, more durable or elastic materials may not require the wall of the bladder to be as thick as a wall-thickness employed with less durable or elastic materials. Typically, the wall of the bladder may be 4-16 mils thick for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film and polyurethane materials.
- The bladder may be constructed of any material or materials capable of substantially containing a fluid and forming a bladder strong enough to withstand a pressure at which the bladder (e.g., the bladder 2362) is to be used. For example, the bladder may be constructed of a polymeric material, such as a thermoplastic. The bladder may be constructed from a relatively inexpensive, easy to work with and durable material. Some example materials include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film and polyester. The manner of making the bladder may depend on its material of construction and configuration, as will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.
- The bladder may include additional materials to improve the utility and comfort of the bladder. For example, the bladder may include outer layers or coatings for durability, support or comfort. In some embodiments, the bladder may be coated with a material that is more pleasant to the touch than the material from which bladder is constructed. Where an inflatable device is for use in supporting a person, the bladder may also include a layer to provide additional comfort, particularly where the person is to contact the bladder. For example, the bladder may include a comfort layer. The comfort layer may be located on any surface of the bladder that may come into contact with a user of inflatable device. The comfort layer may improve the texture and feel of the bladder and, further, may allow air and moisture to pass between a person and the bladder, to prevent discomfort.
- The fluid controller may be constructed in any manner and using any materials that allow fluid controller to control the flow of fluid into and/or out of the bladder. In one embodiment, fluid controller includes a pump that may be constructed in any manner and using any materials that allow it to inflate and/or deflate the bladder. For example, the pump may be a conventional fluid pump including a motor that drives an impeller moving air into, or out of, the bladder. Where the pump includes a motor, the motor may be powered by electricity. Electricity may be provided by a connection to standard house current or, where portability is desired, by batteries. Other types of pumps, such as diaphragm pumps, may also be used so long as they allow the pump to inflate the bladder to within a desired pressure range, which may include a pressure range that can be adjusted by, for example, by another fluid pumping device, such as someone blowing into a conventional valve stem within the bladder, a foot pump, and the like.
- The fluid controller may direct fluid flow in any manner consistent with its construction. For example, where the fluid controller includes a pump with a motor and an impeller, the impeller may draw fluid into, or out of, the bladder through a conduit. According to one embodiment, where a pump is included in fluid controller, the pump is able to inflate bladder in a relatively short time period, for example, less than a minute to inflate an inflatable mattress. The pump may be designed to include an appropriately powerful fluid moving mechanism to achieve a desired pumping time to fill a particular inflatable device. The pump also may be small and consume as little power as possible. Low power consumption is particularly desirable where the pump is to be powered by batteries, as it may extend battery life. The pump may also be configured for quiet (e.g., low noise) operation. A balance of pumping capacity, size, power consumption, noise generation and cost to may be selected for a particular application as will be recognized by those of skill in the art.
- The fluid controller may be constructed of any material or materials that allow it to function as desired. Typical materials of construction of the various components of fluid controller will vary with the nature of fluid controller and any pump and are known to those of skill in the art. For example, the fluid controller may include some parts that are manufactured from rigid material and other parts that are manufactured from flexible and/or resilient material.
- According to one embodiment, the fluid controller may be connected to the bladder in a manner that allows a pump to supply the bladder with fluid, inhibits undesired escape of fluid from bladder and does not interfere with the use of bladder. For example, the inflatable device may be constructed with at least a portion of fluid controller positioned within bladder. Where the fluid controller is positioned at least partially within bladder, the fluid controller will not interfere with the use of the inflatable device. In one embodiment, the exterior profile (total volume and shape) of the fluid controller and inflated device in combination are essentially the same as the exterior profile of the inflated device absent the combination, thus reducing the opportunity for the fluid controller to impact or interfere with the use of inflatable device. For example, where the fluid controller is located substantially within the bladder in a mattress application, it allows an inflatable standard sized mattress to fit into a standard sized bed frame. Where the fluid controller is located within the bladder, it may be sized such that it will not come into contact with the bladder when the bladder is inflated, except at the point(s) of connection.
- Where at least a portion of the fluid controller is positioned within the bladder, it may be connected to the bladder in any manner that will not interfere with the use of the inflatable device or allow an undesired escape of fluid from the bladder. For example, the bladder may be adhered or sealed to a portion of the fluid controller, such as with an adhesive or a heat seal. In one embodiment, an outlet of the fluid controller is sealed to the bladder. The bladder may also include structure to facilitate the connection between the bladder and the fluid controller. The fluid controller may to be positioned within the bladder in a variety of ways.
- According to one embodiment, there is a need to reduce the cost and simplify the mechanism for operating the fluid controller. The fluid controller may also include a device for controlling an operation of fluid controller, such as the control device 2730 (or, for example, any of
control devices control device 2730 may be separate or separable from the fluid controller to allow the fluid controller to be controlled remotely. In one embodiment, thecontrol device 2730 is a hand-held device for controlling the fluid controller. In a further embodiment, the dimension L is less than or equal to 3.75 inches. Thecontrol device 2730 may be physically connected to the fluid controller by acord 2731. Alternatively, thecontrol device 2730 may wirelessly communicate with the fluid controller. - The
control device 2730 may include a variety of structure for controlling the operation of the fluid controller. For example, control may include a conventional power switch that energizes and de-energizes a pump within the fluid controller. The switch may be any of the many well-known mechanisms for selectively connecting two conductors to supply electricity to a point of use. The switch may allow the pump to be energized such that it inflates bladder. Thecontrol device 2730 may also include structure that directs the deflation of bladder. For example, a second switch or a multi-function switch may reverse the direction of the pump to deflate bladder. In some embodiments, the fluid controller may incorporate a valve, such as a self-sealing valve, which must be opened to allow deflation of bladder as well as inflation of the bladder. In these embodiments, thecontrol device 2730 may also include structure to initiate an operation to mechanically or electro-mechanically open a valve to allow deflation of bladder. For example, the switch may act upon or energize a mechanical opening mechanism or activate a solenoid to open a valve and allow deflation of bladder. In one embodiment, the valve that is opened is a self-sealing valve, meaning that it is held closed, at least in part, by pressure within the bladder. For example, a self sealing valve may include a diaphragm that is urged against a valve seat by fluid pressure from within the bladder. Optionally, the switch may also energize the pump to withdraw fluid from the bladder. - In the embodiment of
FIG. 27 , thecontrol device 2730 operates in the following manner. Acontrol element 2732 is configured to normally rest in acenter position 2734. According to one embodiment, thecontrol element 2732 is configured to travel laterally to the left and/or to the right relative to thecenter position 2734 as illustrated by the arrow. With thecontrol element 2732 located in thecenter position 2734, the fluid controller is off, such that neither the pump nor any electromechanical device are operating in accordance with one embodiment. Thecontrol element 2732 is also configured so that it can be moved to the right to afirst position 2735. In accordance with one embodiment, thecontrol element 2732 in thefirst position 2735, the motor of the fluid controller is activated to provide air to the bladder through the fluid controller so long as thecontrol element 2732 is held in thefirst position 2735. Thus, the user can provide air to the bladder to, for example, increase the firmness of the inflatable device by maintaining thecontrol element 2732 in thefirst position 2735. According to a further embodiment, thecontrol element 2732 is also configured so that it can be moved further to the right where it may be locked into place in asecond position 2736 so that the user need not hold thecontrol element 2732 in thesecond position 2736 to, for example, inflate the inflatable device. In one embodiment, the fluid controller will continue to provide air to the bladder until the user taps or otherwise shifts thecontrol element 2732 out of a lockedsecond position 2736. In accordance with one embodiment, thecontrol element 2732 will automatically return to thecenter position 2732 as described above when it is released from thesecond position 2736. In another embodiment, the fluid controller can be provided with a timing circuit so that the fluid controller and motor will be shut off after a pre-determined period of time during which thecontrol element 2732 remains in thesecond position 2736. An approach similar to the preceding may employ a timing circuit to automatically stop the inflation even with thecontrol element 2732 held in thesecond position 2736 by the user. - In accordance with one embodiment, the
control element 2732 is also configured so that it can be moved to the left to athird position 2737 and to a fourth toposition 2738. In one embodiment, thethird position 2737 and thefourth position 2738 each correspond to a deflation of the inflatable device or a bladder included therewith. In one embodiment, with thecontrol element 2732 held in thethird position 2737, the solenoid or electromechanical device is activated to open the self-sealing valve while the motor of the fluid controller is not activated so long as thecontrol element 2732 is held in thisthird position 2737. Thus, the user can adjust air level in the bladder, for example, to make the inflatable device softer. In accordance with another embodiment, thecontrol element 2732 is locked into place when it is moved to thefourth position 2738. According to one embodiment, the pump will be activated so as to remove air from the bladder with thecontrol element 2732 locked in thefourth position 2738 so that the user need not hold thecontrol element 2732 while deflating the inflatable device. The use of the pump during deflation can result in a more rapid deflation of the inflatable device. In thefourth position 2738, the fluid controller will continue to remove air from the bladder until the user taps or otherwise moves thecontrol element 2732 out of thefourth position 2738, in which case it will automatically return to thecenter position 2734, as described above. In another embodiment, the fluid controller can be provided with a timing circuit so that the fluid controller and motor will be shut off after a pre-determined period of time during which thecontrol element 2732 is in thefourth position 2738. - Various embodiments may also employ a timing circuit during deflation, for example, to de-activate the solenoid or electromechanical device to disengage with the valve after a pre-determined period of time. That is, a timing circuit may be employed to automatically stop the deflation after a pre-determined period of time even with the
control element 2732 held in thesecond position 2735 by the user. - In addition to the preceding, various embodiments of the
control 2730 may include pressure control that employs a pressure sensed inside the bladder of the inflatable device to operate the valve and/or the pump and stop an inflation or deflation when a predetermined pressure is reached. - It is to be appreciated that the
control device 2730 can include any means, known to one of skill in the art, for maintaining thecontrol element 2732 in the center to position 2734 absent an outside force applied to thecontrol element 2732. It is also to be appreciated that the above-describedcontrol 2730 can include any means, known to one of skill in the art, for maintaining thecontrol element 2732 in either thesecond position 2736 or thefourth position 2738 absent an outside force applied to thecontrol element 2732 for example, a detent, spring and/or latch may be employed. It is further to be appreciated that the above described control device can include any means, known to one of skill in the art, for moving thecontrol element 2732 to thecenter position 2734 from either thefirst position 2735 or thesecond position 2737 absent an outside force applied to thecontrol element 2732. - Referring now to
FIG. 28A , acontrol device 2840 is illustrated in accordance with another embodiment.FIG. 28B illustrates a profile of thecontrol device 2840 including theuser interface 2846. In the illustrated embodiment the control device is connected to a pressure controller (not illustrated) via acord 2841. In various other embodiments, however, thecontrol device 2840 may interface with the pressure controller (e.g., the pressure controller 206) via wireless communication. Thecontrol device 2840 includes afirst control element 2842A and asecond control element 2842B and a plurality of indicatinglights 2844. In accordance with one embodiment, the indicatinglights 2844 are disposed in a linear arrangement where a location of the indicating lights is identified on theuser interface 2846. According to the illustrated embodiment, each of the plurality of indicating lights corresponds to a level of inflation of an inflatable device (e.g., the inflatable device 102) with which thecontrol device 2840 is employed. Where, for example, the indicatinglights 2844 are each associated with a particular pressure of the inflatable device, the light corresponding to the selected inflation level is illuminated and may remain illuminated so long as the pressure is maintained. In another embodiment, the indicating light is only illuminated when the associated level of inflation is selected by the user (by, for example, operation of thecontrol elements - The plurality of indicating
lights 2844 can be arranged in a sequence from a minimum inflation level (e.g., the indicating light 2844C) to a maximum inflation level (e.g., the indicating light 2844A). Further, one or more indicating lights to associated with a level of inflation between the minimum and the maximum can be located between the indicatinglights lights user interface 2846 may include text adjacent one or more of the indicating lights that identifies a level of firmness associated with the indicating light. For example, the illustrated embodiment identifies the indicating light 2844A, 2844B and 2844C as “ExtraFirm,” “Medium” and “SuperSoft,” respectively. - In accordance with one embodiment, a user can depress or otherwise activate the
first control element 2842A to increase an inflation level in the inflatable chamber (e.g., the inflatable chamber 110). In addition, the user can activate thesecond control element 2842B to decrease an inflation level in the inflatable chamber. Thecontrol device 2840 may also provide a plurality of functions associated with each of the twocontrol elements control device 2840 may provide for inflation adjustment using either or both of a press and hold feature and by a temporary operation of thecontrol elements first control element 2842A may be pressed to activate a pump to begin to inflate the inflatable device and then held for a minimum predetermined amount of time after which the pump remains on even after the user releases thefirst control element 2842A. In one embodiment, the pump remains on until a predetermined pressure is reached in the inflatable device, e.g., a factory set maximum pressure. In an alternate embodiment, a pressure setting need not be employed, instead the pump will operate to inflate the inflatable bladder for a predetermined amount of time after thefirst control element 2842A is used to activate the press and hold feature. The amount of time that thecontrol element 2842A should be held to “latch” the pump in an on-state may vary, however, thecontrol element 2842A must be held for a minimum of two seconds to do so in one embodiment. - In addition to the preceding, the
control element 2842A can be tapped (i.e., briefly activated) by the user to incrementally increase the pressure in the inflatable device. For example, when the pressure is set according to the second indicatinglight 2844B the user may increment or tap thefirst control element 2842A a first time to increase the pressure of the inflation level in the chamber to a pressure (e.g., a firmness level) associated with the indicating light 2844D. When the pressure reaches that associated with the indicating light 2844D, another tap of thecontrol element 2842A will adjust the pressure to that associated with an indicating light 2844E. - The
second control element 2842B can be employed in a similar fashion to that described concerning thecontrol element 2842A. That is, thecontrol element 2842B can be depressed or otherwise activated to decrease the pressure in the inflatable device in one or more steps. In one embodiment, thesecond control element 2842B may be pressed to activate a pump to begin to deflate the inflatable device and then held for a minimum predetermined amount of time after which the pump remains on even after the user releases thesecond control element 2842B. In one embodiment, the pump remains on until a predetermined pressure is reached in the inflatable device, e.g., a factory set minimum pressure. In an alternate embodiment, a pressure setting need not be employed, instead the pump will operate to deflate the inflatable bladder for a predetermined amount of time after thesecond control element 2842B is used to activate the press and hold feature. In accordance with one embodiment, thesecond control element 2842B may be pressed and manually held to allow the pump to assist in fully deflating the inflatable device. In a version of this embodiment, operation of the pump can be stopped by the user momentarily tapping thesecond control element 2842B. - One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the
control elements control element 2842A and a second position to activate the above-described features associated with thecontrol element 2842B. -
FIG. 29 is a sectional view of yet another embodiment of apressure controller 2906. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure controller is employed with a multi-layer inflatable device 2902 (e.g., a mattress). In accordance with one embodiment, the inflatable device is a mattress suitable for sleeping two users. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, theinflatable device 2902 includes afirst chamber 2910A, asecond chamber 2910B, athird chamber 2910C and afourth chamber 2910D where thefirst chamber 2910A is an upper chamber located above thethird chamber 2910C (i.e., a lower chamber) and thesecond chamber 2910B is an upper chamber located above thefourth chamber 2910D (i.e., a lower chamber). In accordance with one embodiment, each of theupper chambers lower chambers pressure controller 2906 can be located anywhere within the vicinity of theinflatable device 2902 provided that it is fluidly coupled to the inflatable device. - According to one embodiment, the
pressure controller 2906 and inflatable device are configured to provide increased comfort-control to a user. In particular, Applicant finds that independent control of the pressure (i.e., firmness) within each of an upper chamber and an underlying lower chamber can provide a user with the ability to maintain a desired level of support (soft, semi-soft, firm, extra-firm) through a plurality of posture settings. In general, a posture setting allows a user to adjust an angle between one or more elements of the user's anatomy relative to another element of the user's anatomy. For example, assuming a fully reclined posture as a starting point, a first posture setting may place one or more of a users head, neck, back, legs, or some combination of the preceding at a different angle relative to the position of one or more of the others when the user is fully reclined. That is, a change in posture can be effected by moving the legs while the head and torso are substantially stationary. Alternatively, the legs may be moved while the torso and/or head remain stationary. Further, the relative movement of one element of the user's anatomy relative to another element of the user's anatomy may be varied in a range of different posture settings as the angle between the anatomical elements is incrementally adjusted. - In one embodiment, the torso and the legs of a user are in a first position relative to one another (for example, in the same plane) with the inflatable device in a first posture setting (e.g., horizontal). In a further embodiment, the torso and the legs are in a second position relative to one another (for example, at a first angle less than 180 degrees) with the inflatable device in a second posture setting. According to this embodiment, the torso and legs are in a third position relative to one another (for example, at a second angle less than 180 degrees) with the inflatable device in a third posture setting.
- In accordance with one embodiment, the
pressure controller 2906 includes avalve conduit chambers pressure controller 2906 includes apump 2908, although in alternate embodiments, thepump 2908 may be fluidly coupled to but external to thepressure controller 2906. - In a further embodiment, a system including the
pressure controller 2906 includes acontrol device 2904 to provide the user with a convenient means of adjusting the pressure in any of the chambers. Thus, a user of theinflatable device 2902 may adjust the pressure of any of the chambers alone or in combination with another chamber. According to one embodiment, in operation, the user may control the firmness of thefirst chamber 2910A while in a horizontal posture. The user may further adjust their posture by adjusting the pressure in thethird chamber 2910C. In accordance with a further embodiment, the pressure controller is configured to rapidly move a relatively large amount of fluid either into or out of thethird chamber 2910C to provide for posture control (e.g., to provide a plurality of posture settings). - As described herein, the
control device 2904 is tethered to theinflatable device 2902 in accordance with one embodiment, while in another embodiment, thecontrol device 2904 communicates wirelessly with thepressure controller 2906. - In various embodiments, the user need not know whether the pressure is being adjusted in the upper chamber, the lower chamber or both chambers to achieve a to desired firmness and/or posture of the inflatable device. For example, the user may select a desired firmness and/or posture setting to which the pressure controller responds by making any required adjustments to the inflation level of the chambers in the inflatable device. The preceding approach allows a user to select a desired firmness and or posture without manually adjusting a firmness in one or more chambers.
- In accordance with one embodiment, the
pressure controller 2906 is configured to simultaneously adjust the pressure level in a plurality of chambers. As some examples, the pressure controller may simultaneously add fluid to each of thefirst chamber 2910A and thethird chamber 2910C, simultaneously release fluid from each of thefirst chamber 2910A and thethird chamber 2910C, simultaneously add fluid to three or more chambers or simultaneously release fluid from three or more chambers. - In various embodiments, a system can include, along with the
pressure controller 2906, pressure and temperature sensors to sense temperature and pressure in one or more of thechambers pressure controller 2906. For example, in one embodiment, the pressure sensors may be located in a fluid conduit that fluidly couples the pressure controller and the chamber with which the pressure sensor and temperature sensor are associated, e.g., within thefluid conduits -
FIG. 30A illustrates an embodiment of apressure controller 3006 in accordance with one embodiment whileFIG. 30B illustrates across section 30B-30B. The pressure controller includes thefirst valve 2916A, thesecond valve 2916B, thethird valve 2916C and thefourth valve 2916D. In addition, the pressure controller also includes a valve operator 3020 (e.g., a motor, a solenoid, etc.), a mechanical coupling 3022 (shown in a retracted position and in phantom in an extended position), a gear 3028 (e.g., a toothed gear) to connect thevalve operator 3020 to the mechanical coupling 3022, acam shaft 3023 and a cam 3021. In one embodiment, the preceding components are included in a housing. In a version of this embodiment, electronic circuitry adapted to process control signals for thepressure controller 3006 is also included in the housing. - In a further embodiment, the
pressure controller 3006 includes a separate mechanical coupling for each valve, that is, themechanical couplings pressure controller 3006 may also include aseparate cam valve common cam shaft 3023. - In a version of this embodiment, each cam includes a plurality of
lobes 3025. In a further embodiment, an electronic sensor is employed to sense a position of the cam shaft. Thepressure controller 3006 may also include aseparate gear 3028A, 3028B, 3028C and 3028D associated with each of themechanical couplings single gear shaft 3027. - In accordance with one embodiment, a cam operator 3029 (e.g., a motor, a solenoid, etc.) is also included in the
pressure controller 3006. In operation, a signal to change a pressure/inflation level in one or more chambers is received by thepressure controller 3006. Thecam operator 3029 operates to rotate thecam shaft 3023 such that the cam associated with the selected chamber is rotated into a position whereby the corresponding mechanical operator is engaged with the corresponding gear. For example, if the pressure controller receives a signal to change the fluid pressure in thesecond chamber 2910B, thecam 3021B is rotated such that one or more of thelobes 3025 engage themechanical coupling 3022B to force the mechanical coupling into engagement with thegear 3028B. Thevalve operator 3020 also operates to rotate thegear shaft 3027 to move the mechanical coupling (e.g., themechanical coupling 3022B) into engagement with the valve (e.g., thevalve 2916B) to open the valve. In one example, the pump (e.g., the pump 2908) operates to force fluid into the chamber. In other modes of operation, the pump may be off when the valve is opened such that air exhausts from the chamber through the valve. In another to mode of operation, the chamber may be more rapidly deflated with the valve open and the pump operated in a direction that forces fluid out of the chamber. - As mentioned above, a plurality of valves may be opened simultaneously to simultaneously adjust the pressure in a plurality of chambers. In accordance with one embodiment, the cams 3021 provide six
lobes 3025 that are equally spaced around the outside diameter of the cam 3021 (e.g., they are 60 degrees apart) such that thepressure controller 3006 can operate any one of up to four separate valves independent of the operation of the other valves or can simultaneously operate two valves. - Referring now to
FIG. 31 , avalve 3116 for use with an inflatable device is illustrated in accordance with one embodiment. The valve may include ashaft 3131 either integral to thevalve 3116 or attached thereto. In further embodiments, the shaft may include alatch 3141 and anengagement tab 3143. The valve can also include adiaphragm 3147 and avalve housing 3117. In one embodiment, thediaphragm 3147 engages thevalve housing 3117 when thevalve 3116 is in the sealed position. - In accordance with one embodiment, the
valve 3116 is mechanically biased closed and remains closed under a fluid bias.FIG. 31 illustrates elements of a mechanical system (e.g., an electromechanical system) to open and close thevalve 3116. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the elements include acam 3123, a lobe (e.g., a projection from the cam) 3125, afirst spring 3133, asecond spring 3135 and astop 3137. In one embodiment, all of the illustrated components of valve and the mechanical system are include in a pressure controller. - In general, in operation, the
first spring 3133 provides a bias that maintains the valve in a sealed position and thesecond spring 3135 provides a bias that positions the shaft in both latched and unlatched positions (as the shaft articulates to and from the sealed/unsealed positions). In a version of this embodiment, thefirst spring 3133 is attached to theshaft 3131. In accordance with one embodiment, a single spring may provide both a closing force and a latching force for thevalve 3116. To better describe the valve operation the valve is illustrated in the sealed and the unsealed to position with the unsealed position shown in phantom. Further, each of thefirst spring 3133 and thesecond spring 3135 is illustrated in phantom where the phantom-position represents the position of the spring with the shaft in an unlatched position. - In a latched condition, the mechanical system may act to maintain the valve in a sealed position in which it is prevented from moving to an unsealed position. The system may also place the valve in an unlatched position in which the valve is free to move from the closed position to the opened position. In the interest of clarity, the
shaft 3131 is illustrated in both the latched position and in the unlatched position (in phantom). Further, theengagement tab 3143 is also illustrated in a plurality of positions; a first position with theshaft 3131 in the latched position and with thevalve 3116 in the sealed position; a second position with theshaft 3131 in the unlatched position with thevalve 3116 in the sealed position (both the shaft and the engagement tab are illustrated in phantom); and a third position with theshaft 3131 in the unlatched position and thevalve 3116 in the unsealed position (the engagement tab is illustrated in phantom). - In operation, the valve is sealed when the
lobe 3125 is moved in a direction opposite thevalve housing 3117, for example, if it is moved via rotation of thecam 3123. In this position, the lobe does not provide a bias on theshaft 3131 and/or theengagement tab 3143. Thelobe 3125 is illustrated in phantom with the valve in the sealed position. With the valve in the sealed position, thesecond spring 3135 provides a bias on theshaft 3131 while the first spring provides a bias that draws thelatch 3141 into engagement with the block 3137 (e.g., on a surface of the block that is opposite the valve 3116). To open the valve, the cam rotates thelobe 3125 in a direction toward thevalve 3116. As thelobe 3125 travels toward the valve, it engages theengagement tab 3143. The rotation of thecam 3125 moves the lobe in an arc-shaped path which initially disengages theshaft 3131 from the block. Once the shaft is unlatched, the continued rotation moves theshaft 3131 in the direction of thesecond spring 3135 while also moving the shaft toward the valve and valve housing to unseal the valve. That is, the travel of the shaft is not entirely linear. - In accordance with one embodiment, the approach illustrated in
FIG. 31 to allows a single electromechanical device to act as both the valve operator and cam operator, for example, to combine the functionality of both thevalve operator 3020 and thecam operator 3029 of the system illustrated inFIGS. 30A and 30B thereby employing only a single electromechanical device. - In accordance with one embodiment, a reversible motor rotates the
cam 3123 in both the clockwise and the counterclockwise direction. That is, the lobe 3135 (e.g, an arm) rotates counterclockwise to open the valve and clockwise to allow the valve to reseal and position the cam for a subsequent valve operation. In accordance with one embodiment, thelobe 3125 is configured to be more rigid (e.g., stiffer) when rotating in the counterclockwise direction and less rigid when moving in the clockwise direction. - In various embodiments, the approach described with reference to
FIG. 31 can be employed to operate a plurality of valves, for example, thevalves pressure controller 3006 ofFIG. 30A . Further, a cam shaft may operate a plurality of cams (e.g., a plurality of cams 3123) each associated with a different valve. In one embodiment, a system includes thevalve 3116 and associated mechanical system and the plurality of cams are employed to independently open four valves in four different operating states (e.g., four different rotational positions of the cam shaft) and also to simultaneously open two of the valves. - Referring now to
FIGS. 32A-32C , aninflatable device 3202 including a plurality of inflatable chambers is illustrated. In accordance with one embodiment, anupper chamber 3210A is located at a first level and alower chamber 3210B is located at a lower level where it supports the first chamber. Further, theinflatable device 3202 can be configured to provide posture control for auser 3201. That is, in accordance with one embodiment, the firmness of the inflatable device is primarily controlled by controlling the fluid pressure in the upper chamber while the pressure in the lower chamber is primarily controlled to adjust the posture of the user. Further, the controller may provide for simultaneous adjustment of both upper and lower to chambers to achieve a range of comfort, posture and/or support settings. Theinflatable device 3202 illustrated inFIGS. 32A-C may be employed with any of the pressure controllers described herein. - In accordance with one embodiment, the ability to control the firmness and posture as described here is, at least in part, the result of a difference in a fully inflated thickness (i.e., a dimension N1) of the
upper chamber 3210A and a fully inflated thickness (i.e., a dimension N2) of thelower chamber 3210B. For example, in one embodiment, the upper chamber is thinner than the lower chamber. In a version of this embodiment, the dimension N1 is in a range of from 2-4 inches and the dimension N2 is in a range of from 3-5 inches. In a further embodiment, the lower chamber is twice as thick as the upper chamber, for example, the lower chamber may be 5 inches thick and the upper chamber may be 2.5 inches thick. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 32A-32C , the posture control provides for various positions of elements of the user's anatomy relative to one another. For example, each of the user's torso, legs and head are substantially aligned along an axis X. However, following a posture adjustment provided by a change in pressure in either or both of the upper chamber and the lower chamber the positions of the torso, legs and head are changed. The axes H, L and T are employed here for reference. InFIG. 32B , an angle between the L axis and the T axis is greater than 90 degrees while inFIG. 32C the angle between the L axis and the T axis are approximately 90 degrees. Similarly, inFIG. 32B , an angle between the H axis and the T axis is less than an angle between the H axis and the T axis illustrated inFIG. 32C . - In accordance with one embodiment, changes in posture as illustrated in
FIGS. 32A-32C can be accomplished by adjusting the pressure/inflation level in the lower chamber while maintaining the pressure/inflation level in the upper chamber. For example, the change in posture between the posture illustrated inFIG. 32A and the posture illustrated inFIG. 32B may be accomplished by reducing the pressure in the lower chamber. Similarly, the change in posture between the posture illustrated inFIG. 32B and the posture illustrated inFIG. 32C may be accomplished by increasing to the pressure in the lower chamber to a pressure level greater than the pressure level provided by the lower chamber inFIG. 32B but less than the pressure level provided by the lower chamber inFIG. 32A . In another embodiment, a variety of comfort settings for both firmness and posture may also be accomplished by simultaneous pressure modification to both upper and lower chambers. - In accordance with one embodiment, the
control device 2204 illustrated inFIG. 22 can be employed with a multi-layer inflatable device, e.g., an inflatable device that includes an upper inflatable fluid chamber and a lower inflatable fluid chamber. That is, thecontrol device 2204 can be employed to control a pressure/inflation level/firmness in each of an upper chamber and a lower chamber and a plurality of upper and lower chambers (for example, as illustrated inFIG. 29 ). Accordingly, thecontrol device 2204 can be employed to vary a posture setting of the inflatable device through a plurality of posture settings. - In one embodiment, the selection of control of the upper layer and the control of the lower layer is made by a particular sequence of operations of the control elements, e.g., a sequence or series of a tap, a plurality of taps, a press and hold operation, any one of the preceding or any combination of the preceding. In a version of this embodiment, the
control element 2262C is triple tapped to toggle between pressure/firmness control of the upper layer and pressure/firmness control of the lower layer. Further, in various embodiments, a color of the light source (e.g., the light source 2252) is different when the control device is in a first mode in which adjustments may be made to the upper chamber (during which the light source appears as a first color) and the color of the light source when the control device is in a second mode in which adjustments may be made to the lower chamber (during which the light source appears as a second color). - In accordance with one embodiment, firmness control for a pair of upper and lower chambers may be accomplished using the
control device 2204 as follows: 1) thecontrol element 2262B is tapped once to increase the firmness in the lower chamber and is tapped again to stop the increase; 2) thecontrol element 2262B is tapped twice to increase the firmness in both the lower chamber and the upper chamber; 3) the to controlelement 2262D is tapped once to incrementally decrease the firmness of the lower chamber to a “semi-soft” level; 4) thecontrol element 2262D is tapped twice to incrementally decrease the firmness in the lower chamber to a “soft” level; 4) thecontrol element 2262E is tapped once to incrementally increase the firmness in the lower chamber to a “semi-firm” level; 5) thecontrol element 2262E is tapped twice to incrementally increase firmness in the lower chamber to a “firm” level; 6) thecontrol element 2262C is tapped once to decrease the firmness in the lower chamber and is tapped again to stop the decrease; and 7) thecontrol element 2262C is tapped twice to decrease the firmness in both the lower chamber and the upper chamber. - The operations identified in the immediately preceding description are not required to be associated with the specific control elements described above. Instead, the operations may be associated with different ones of the control elements and any set of associations may be employed provided that the user is made aware of the associations.
- Further, the control device may simply provide the user with a plurality of posture settings. The various posture settings may be identified by number, by descriptor or both. For example, the posture settings may include a “seated” posture setting, a “partially reclined” posture setting or a “fully reclined” setting. Accordingly, the control device may employ the preceding descriptor, the preceding descriptors adjacent a series of associated indicating lights or some other combination of indicia concerning the available posture settings and/or the current posture setting of the inflatable device. In an alternate embodiment, a user may select any of a plurality of posture settings with a control device that does not include any indicia.
- Also, in various embodiments, a user need only select a particular posture setting using a control device. Once the selection is made, the pressure controller responds to the selection by making any necessary changes to the inflation levels in either or both of the upper chamber and the lower chamber to achieve the requested setting. That is, the user can reach the selected posture without knowing the changes that are being made in the inflation of the chambers.
- Embodiments of the control devices and pressure controllers described herein to may be employed with temporary-bedding (i.e., occasional-bedding). That is, embodiments of the control devices and pressure controllers described herein may be employed with inflatable bedding that is stored in a deflated (e.g., collapsed) or partially deflated state when not in use.
- The term fluid as used herein describes any material such as a gas (e.g., air), a liquid (e.g., water), or a gel that can be employed to inflate a fluid impermeable bladder.
- Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment of this invention, it is to be appreciated various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.
Claims (27)
1. A system adapted to control a pressure in an inflatable device, the system comprising:
a pressure controller fluidly coupled to the inflatable device and configured to adjust the pressure in the inflatable device by adding and removing fluid from the inflatable device;
a control device including a plurality of control elements, the control device configured to allow a user to adjust the pressure in the inflatable device using the pressure controller, and a first control element configured to establish a first to setting corresponding to a first pressure which is a preferred pressure; and
a microcontroller configured to receive information concerning the first setting and automatically establish at least one additional setting corresponding to a second pressure, once the first setting is established.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first pressure has a first value, wherein the second pressure has a second value, and wherein a difference between the first value and the second value is determined before the first setting is established.
3. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a memory configured to store the first setting.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of control elements are unmarked.
5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the control device includes a user interface, wherein the plurality of control elements are located in the user interface, wherein a location of each of the plurality of control elements is identified in the user interface, and wherein the control elements are otherwise unmarked.
6. The system of claim 4 , wherein the first control element is located substantially centrally in the user interface, and wherein others of the plurality of control elements are located radially outward of the first control element.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the system is adapted to allow the user to return the pressure in the inflatable device to the preferred pressure from another pressure when the first control element is selected subsequent to the first setting being established.
8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the control device is adapted to allow the user to establish the setting corresponding to the preferred pressure when the first control element is selected for a minimum amount of time.
9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the control device is adapted to allow the user to return the pressure in the inflatable device to the preferred pressure from another pressure when the control element is selected for an amount of time less than the minimum amount of time.
10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the control device is configured to wirelessly communicate the first setting from the control device to the pressure controller.
11. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a pump adapted to add fluid to the inflatable device.
12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the pump is fluidly coupled to the pressure controller.
13. The system of claim 1 , wherein the inflatable device includes a plurality of chambers, and wherein the control device includes a selector adapted to allow the user to select a chamber from among the plurality of chambers.
14. The system of claim 13 , wherein the control device further includes a plurality of indicating lights associated with the plurality of chambers, wherein a first indicating light is illuminated when the first chamber is selected, and wherein a second indicating light is illuminated when the second chamber is selected.
15. The system of claim 1 , wherein the pressure controller includes a pump, a valve and electronic circuitry.
16. The system of claim 15 , wherein the pressure controller is included in the inflatable device.
17. The system of claim 1 , wherein the inflatable device includes a lower chamber and an upper chamber located above and proximate to the lower chamber, wherein the pressure controller is fluidly coupled to the upper chamber and the upper chamber is fluidly coupled to the lower chamber.
18. The system of claim 1 , wherein the pressure controller includes electronic circuitry including a memory, wherein the setting is communicated from the control device to the electronic circuitry, and wherein the first setting is stored in the memory.
19. The system of claim 1 , wherein the control device includes a memory, and wherein the setting is stored in the memory.
20. A hand held control device adapted to control a pressure in an inflatable device, the control device comprising:
a first control element adapted to allow the user, in a first operation, to establish a first setting corresponding to a pressure preferred by a user, and in a second operation, to allow the user to adjust the pressure in the inflatable device to the pressure preferred by the user from another pressure;
a second control element adapted to allow a user to increase the pressure in the inflatable device from the pressure preferred by the user to a pressure corresponding to a second setting which is automatically established once the first setting is established; and
a third control element adapted to allow the user to decrease the pressure in the inflatable device from the pressure preferred by the user to a pressure corresponding to a third setting which is automatically established once the first setting is established.
21. The hand held control device of claim 20 , further comprising a user interface wherein a location of the first control element, a location of the second control element, and a location of the third control element are identified, and wherein the first control element, the second control element and the third control element are otherwise unmarked.
22. The hand held control device of claim 21 , wherein the user interface is adapted to allow the user to select one of the first control element, the second control element and the third control element by applying pressure to a location in the user interface corresponding to the selected control element.
23. The hand held control device of claim 22 , wherein the inflatable device includes a pressure controller, the hand held control device further comprising a transmitter, wherein the transmitter is adapted to communicate to the pressure controller information corresponding to a user-selected control element.
24. The hand held control device of claim 23 , wherein the first control element is located substantially centrally in a user interface of the control device.
25. The hand held control device of claim 24 , wherein the second and third control elements are located radially outward in the user interface relative to the first control element.
26. The hand held control device of claim 25 , further comprising a light source that illuminates a region of the user interface.
27. The hand held control device of claim 26 , wherein the light source is configured to periodically vary in intensity.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/452,987 US8839474B2 (en) | 2006-04-04 | 2012-04-23 | Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling pressure in an inflatable device |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US78898806P | 2006-04-04 | 2006-04-04 | |
US85932506P | 2006-11-16 | 2006-11-16 | |
US86773806P | 2006-11-29 | 2006-11-29 | |
US11/696,656 US8162009B2 (en) | 2006-04-04 | 2007-04-04 | Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling pressure in an inflatable device |
US13/452,987 US8839474B2 (en) | 2006-04-04 | 2012-04-23 | Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling pressure in an inflatable device |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/696,656 Division US8162009B2 (en) | 2006-04-04 | 2007-04-04 | Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling pressure in an inflatable device |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20120204970A1 true US20120204970A1 (en) | 2012-08-16 |
US8839474B2 US8839474B2 (en) | 2014-09-23 |
Family
ID=38564320
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/696,656 Active 2031-01-10 US8162009B2 (en) | 2006-04-04 | 2007-04-04 | Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling pressure in an inflatable device |
US13/452,987 Active 2027-08-17 US8839474B2 (en) | 2006-04-04 | 2012-04-23 | Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling pressure in an inflatable device |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/696,656 Active 2031-01-10 US8162009B2 (en) | 2006-04-04 | 2007-04-04 | Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling pressure in an inflatable device |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US8162009B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2001341A2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101466291B (en) |
CA (1) | CA2648001C (en) |
WO (1) | WO2007115316A2 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10688273B2 (en) | 2015-01-16 | 2020-06-23 | The Board Of Trustees Of Western Michigan University | Dual pressure respiratory assistance device |
US20220187794A1 (en) * | 2020-12-11 | 2022-06-16 | Dell Products L.P. | Information handling system housing cover inflatable seal |
US11893163B2 (en) | 2020-12-11 | 2024-02-06 | Dell Products L.P. | Information handling system virtual and physical keyboard position coordination |
Families Citing this family (76)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2001341A2 (en) | 2006-04-04 | 2008-12-17 | Robert B. Chaffee | Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling pressure in an inflatable device |
WO2008030981A2 (en) | 2006-09-06 | 2008-03-13 | Blumberg J Seth | Digital bed system |
US20110144455A1 (en) * | 2007-08-31 | 2011-06-16 | Bam Labs, Inc. | Systems and methods for monitoring a subject at rest |
US8970403B2 (en) | 2008-01-04 | 2015-03-03 | Tactus Technology, Inc. | Method for actuating a tactile interface layer |
US9760172B2 (en) | 2008-01-04 | 2017-09-12 | Tactus Technology, Inc. | Dynamic tactile interface |
US8570295B2 (en) | 2008-01-04 | 2013-10-29 | Tactus Technology, Inc. | User interface system |
US8922502B2 (en) | 2008-01-04 | 2014-12-30 | Tactus Technology, Inc. | User interface system |
US9367132B2 (en) | 2008-01-04 | 2016-06-14 | Tactus Technology, Inc. | User interface system |
US8922503B2 (en) | 2008-01-04 | 2014-12-30 | Tactus Technology, Inc. | User interface system |
US8547339B2 (en) | 2008-01-04 | 2013-10-01 | Tactus Technology, Inc. | System and methods for raised touch screens |
US8456438B2 (en) | 2008-01-04 | 2013-06-04 | Tactus Technology, Inc. | User interface system |
US9274612B2 (en) | 2008-01-04 | 2016-03-01 | Tactus Technology, Inc. | User interface system |
US9552065B2 (en) | 2008-01-04 | 2017-01-24 | Tactus Technology, Inc. | Dynamic tactile interface |
US9052790B2 (en) | 2008-01-04 | 2015-06-09 | Tactus Technology, Inc. | User interface and methods |
US8154527B2 (en) | 2008-01-04 | 2012-04-10 | Tactus Technology | User interface system |
US8922510B2 (en) | 2008-01-04 | 2014-12-30 | Tactus Technology, Inc. | User interface system |
US9557915B2 (en) | 2008-01-04 | 2017-01-31 | Tactus Technology, Inc. | Dynamic tactile interface |
US9720501B2 (en) | 2008-01-04 | 2017-08-01 | Tactus Technology, Inc. | Dynamic tactile interface |
US9423875B2 (en) | 2008-01-04 | 2016-08-23 | Tactus Technology, Inc. | Dynamic tactile interface with exhibiting optical dispersion characteristics |
US9372565B2 (en) | 2008-01-04 | 2016-06-21 | Tactus Technology, Inc. | Dynamic tactile interface |
US9612659B2 (en) | 2008-01-04 | 2017-04-04 | Tactus Technology, Inc. | User interface system |
US9588683B2 (en) | 2008-01-04 | 2017-03-07 | Tactus Technology, Inc. | Dynamic tactile interface |
US8553005B2 (en) | 2008-01-04 | 2013-10-08 | Tactus Technology, Inc. | User interface system |
US8243038B2 (en) | 2009-07-03 | 2012-08-14 | Tactus Technologies | Method for adjusting the user interface of a device |
US9063627B2 (en) | 2008-01-04 | 2015-06-23 | Tactus Technology, Inc. | User interface and methods |
US8947383B2 (en) | 2008-01-04 | 2015-02-03 | Tactus Technology, Inc. | User interface system and method |
US9298261B2 (en) | 2008-01-04 | 2016-03-29 | Tactus Technology, Inc. | Method for actuating a tactile interface layer |
AU2008350277B2 (en) | 2008-02-14 | 2012-05-31 | Kingsdown, Inc. | Apparatuses and methods providing variable support and variable comfort control of a sleep system and automatic adjustment thereof |
EP2255293B1 (en) * | 2008-02-14 | 2012-10-31 | Kingsdown, Inc. | Apparatuses and methods for evaluating a person for a sleep system |
WO2009108228A1 (en) * | 2008-02-25 | 2009-09-03 | Kingsdown, Inc. | Systems and methods for controlling a bedroom environment and for providing sleep data |
CN102099758B (en) * | 2008-03-13 | 2013-09-11 | 罗伯特·B·查飞 | Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling pressure in an inflatable device |
AU2012244126B2 (en) * | 2008-04-04 | 2015-06-25 | Sleep Number Corporation | System and method for improved pressure adjustment |
WO2009123641A1 (en) * | 2008-04-04 | 2009-10-08 | Select Comfort Corporation | System and method for improved pressure adjustment |
GB0808365D0 (en) * | 2008-05-08 | 2008-06-18 | Tempus Computers Ltd | A method of producing a support article, a support article and a support deviceincorporating the same |
US9103335B2 (en) * | 2008-06-27 | 2015-08-11 | Ge Oil & Gas Compression Systems, Llc | System and devices including valves coupled to electric devices and methods of making, using, and operating the same |
US9588684B2 (en) | 2009-01-05 | 2017-03-07 | Tactus Technology, Inc. | Tactile interface for a computing device |
CN101545480B (en) * | 2009-05-02 | 2014-10-08 | 先驱塑胶电子(惠州)有限公司 | A pneumatic controller for inflatable products |
CN102483675B (en) | 2009-07-03 | 2015-09-09 | 泰克图斯科技公司 | User interface strengthens system |
US9239623B2 (en) | 2010-01-05 | 2016-01-19 | Tactus Technology, Inc. | Dynamic tactile interface |
US8619035B2 (en) | 2010-02-10 | 2013-12-31 | Tactus Technology, Inc. | Method for assisting user input to a device |
KR20130136905A (en) | 2010-04-19 | 2013-12-13 | 택투스 테크놀로지, 아이엔씨. | User interface system |
US8657565B2 (en) | 2010-04-22 | 2014-02-25 | The Coleman Company, Inc. | Pump with integrated deflation port |
KR20140043697A (en) | 2010-10-20 | 2014-04-10 | 택투스 테크놀로지, 아이엔씨. | User interface system and method |
WO2012054780A1 (en) | 2010-10-20 | 2012-04-26 | Tactus Technology | User interface system |
CN102109340B (en) * | 2011-01-21 | 2012-05-23 | 合肥创想能源环境科技有限公司 | Gas position measuring device of fermentation tank with integration of gas production and storage |
US9211019B2 (en) * | 2011-03-21 | 2015-12-15 | Rapid Air Llc. | Pump and housing configuration for inflating and deflating an air mattress |
US8429778B2 (en) * | 2011-04-11 | 2013-04-30 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Low noise linear diaphragm compressor by variable amplitude driver |
US8832886B2 (en) | 2011-08-02 | 2014-09-16 | Rapid Air, Llc | System and method for controlling air mattress inflation and deflation |
WO2014047656A2 (en) | 2012-09-24 | 2014-03-27 | Tactus Technology, Inc. | Dynamic tactile interface and methods |
US9405417B2 (en) | 2012-09-24 | 2016-08-02 | Tactus Technology, Inc. | Dynamic tactile interface and methods |
US8839473B1 (en) | 2012-11-13 | 2014-09-23 | Alex Catala | Air mattress comfort adjustment system |
CN203146289U (en) * | 2013-03-13 | 2013-08-21 | 先驱塑胶电子(惠州)有限公司 | Air pump controller and inflatable product with air pump controller |
US8893339B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2014-11-25 | Select Comfort Corporation | System and method for adjusting settings of a bed with a remote control |
EP2967230B1 (en) * | 2013-03-14 | 2019-05-08 | Select Comfort Corporation | Method and system for an inflatable air mattress system architecture |
US9557813B2 (en) | 2013-06-28 | 2017-01-31 | Tactus Technology, Inc. | Method for reducing perceived optical distortion |
US10562436B2 (en) | 2013-07-30 | 2020-02-18 | Signode Industrial Group Llc | Portable dunnage bag inflator |
US9913547B2 (en) * | 2013-12-16 | 2018-03-13 | American National Manufacturing, Inc. | Airbed pump calibration and pressure measurement |
US10750875B2 (en) * | 2014-01-02 | 2020-08-25 | Sleep Number Corporation | Adjustable bed system having split-head and joined foot configuration |
US10448749B2 (en) | 2014-10-10 | 2019-10-22 | Sleep Number Corporation | Bed having logic controller |
EP3362688A4 (en) | 2015-10-16 | 2019-06-12 | Intex Marketing Ltd. | Multifunctional air pump |
CN106913122A (en) * | 2015-12-25 | 2017-07-04 | 北京奇虎科技有限公司 | The adaptive regulation method of Intelligent seat and seat rigidity |
US11013344B2 (en) * | 2016-01-20 | 2021-05-25 | National Bedding Company, L.L.C. | Mattress and adjustable foundation selection system and process |
WO2017136814A1 (en) * | 2016-02-04 | 2017-08-10 | Roho, Inc. | Valve assembly for cushion inflation |
US10101233B2 (en) * | 2016-05-24 | 2018-10-16 | Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc. | Systems and methods for switched multi-transducer pressure sensors and compensation thereof |
US10863831B2 (en) * | 2016-08-01 | 2020-12-15 | Polygroup Macau Limited (Bvi) | Systems and methods for air mattress pressure control |
CN206368786U (en) | 2016-12-08 | 2017-08-01 | 明达实业(厦门)有限公司 | The attachment structure of pump and aerated product |
IT201700081225A1 (en) * | 2017-07-18 | 2019-01-18 | F Lab S R L | CRADLE FOR BABIES. |
CN208669644U (en) | 2018-05-16 | 2019-03-29 | 明达实业(厦门)有限公司 | A kind of pumping with multichannel charging-discharging function |
US11549514B2 (en) | 2017-11-27 | 2023-01-10 | Intex Marketing Ltd. | Manual inflation and deflation adjustment structure for a pump |
US11242122B2 (en) * | 2018-03-12 | 2022-02-08 | Peter S Heberling, II | Insertable bladder system for inflatable boat repair |
CN108762484B (en) * | 2018-04-17 | 2020-12-08 | 西北工业大学 | Pneumatic simulation method for realistic touch sense in physical man-machine interaction |
CN112770899B (en) | 2018-09-12 | 2022-11-25 | 信诺印度有限公司 | Inflator with automatic interrupting function |
EP3754188B1 (en) | 2019-06-21 | 2022-09-28 | Intex Marketing Ltd. | Inflatable product having electric and manual pumps |
TWI747254B (en) * | 2020-04-27 | 2021-11-21 | 高昌生醫股份有限公司 | Chair cushion pressure relief control method for adjusting pressure and controlling pressure time according to body weight |
USD943636S1 (en) | 2020-05-26 | 2022-02-15 | Signode Industrial Group Llc | Inflator |
JP7419167B2 (en) * | 2020-06-09 | 2024-01-22 | パラマウントベッド株式会社 | mattress |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5020176A (en) * | 1989-10-20 | 1991-06-04 | Angel Echevarria Co., Inc. | Control system for fluid-filled beds |
US5542136A (en) * | 1994-08-05 | 1996-08-06 | Stryker Corporation | Portable mattress for treating decubitus ulcers |
US6037723A (en) * | 1994-11-01 | 2000-03-14 | Select Comfort Corporation | Air control system for an air bed |
US7712171B2 (en) * | 2007-04-25 | 2010-05-11 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Patient support including turn assist, low air loss, or integrated lateral transfer |
US8162009B2 (en) * | 2006-04-04 | 2012-04-24 | Chaffee Robert B | Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling pressure in an inflatable device |
US8413278B2 (en) * | 2006-04-04 | 2013-04-09 | Robert B. Chaffee | Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling pressure in an inflatable device |
Family Cites Families (194)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3123336A (en) | 1964-03-03 | Diaphragm valves | ||
US625114A (en) | 1899-05-16 | Inflation-valve | ||
US633968A (en) | 1899-06-22 | 1899-09-26 | Charles A Hunt | Mattress. |
US679519A (en) | 1900-12-31 | 1901-07-30 | Lyman T Smith | Valve for pneumatic tires. |
US1185684A (en) | 1905-02-03 | 1916-06-06 | Schrader S Son Inc | Valve for pneumatic pillows and other articles. |
US827823A (en) | 1906-02-26 | 1906-08-07 | George L Starr | Fluid-pressure brake. |
US1263599A (en) | 1917-12-08 | 1918-04-23 | Ashton Hamilton | Pneumatic-tire valve. |
US1361453A (en) | 1919-08-25 | 1920-12-07 | Hannah H Frey | Cushion |
US2064695A (en) | 1935-06-11 | 1936-12-15 | Nathaniel L Foster | Air valve |
US2028060A (en) | 1935-09-07 | 1936-01-14 | Gilbert Eskell | Protector |
US2112641A (en) | 1936-09-25 | 1938-03-29 | Aw Wheaton Brass Works | Safety vent valve |
US2168774A (en) | 1938-07-08 | 1939-08-08 | Automatic Switch Co | Solenoid valve |
US2288889A (en) | 1939-05-12 | 1942-07-07 | Francis J Costello | Valve |
US2285695A (en) | 1941-04-11 | 1942-06-09 | Cesare Nicholas Phillipp Di | Coating mechanism for wheels |
US2285324A (en) | 1941-11-12 | 1942-06-02 | Bennett Alexander Edgar | Check valve operator |
US2482198A (en) | 1944-09-05 | 1949-09-20 | Parker Appliance Co | Valve structure |
US2459689A (en) | 1944-09-22 | 1949-01-18 | Bailey Meter Co | Fluid rate of flow measuring apparatus |
US2595406A (en) | 1948-09-09 | 1952-05-06 | John E Popovich | Flashlight fan |
US2767735A (en) | 1951-10-24 | 1956-10-23 | Dumont Aircraft Fitting Compan | Valve device |
US2701579A (en) | 1952-01-02 | 1955-02-08 | Goodrich Co B F | Inflating valve for inflatable articles |
US2823668A (en) | 1953-10-12 | 1958-02-18 | Carl P Van Court | Inflatable splint |
US2803527A (en) | 1956-07-06 | 1957-08-20 | Robert O Lundahl | Portable electric fan unit |
GB841736A (en) | 1957-02-18 | 1960-07-20 | Koehler Aircraft Products Comp | Diaphragms for fluid-control valves |
US2949927A (en) | 1957-10-10 | 1960-08-23 | Henry H Mackal | Resilient inflation-deflation valve |
US2990070A (en) | 1958-12-30 | 1961-06-27 | Walton W Cushman | Pneumatic dunnage |
FR1259308A (en) | 1960-06-07 | 1961-04-21 | Cup air mattress with perforated cover and special inflation valve with captive plug | |
US3086698A (en) | 1961-03-03 | 1963-04-23 | Goldstein Mayer | Portable blower |
US3367819A (en) | 1961-12-22 | 1968-02-06 | Goodrich Co B F | Method of making inflatable dunnage bag |
US3095901A (en) | 1962-03-16 | 1963-07-02 | Vincent H Larson | Rapid opening valve |
US3164151A (en) | 1962-12-14 | 1965-01-05 | Nicoll Esmond D Vere | Inflatable splint |
US3208721A (en) | 1963-04-30 | 1965-09-28 | Raybestos Manhattan Inc | Valve diaphragm |
US3424151A (en) | 1966-01-03 | 1969-01-28 | Kendall & Co | Inflatable splint |
US3403696A (en) | 1966-10-20 | 1968-10-01 | Pynchon George | Silent check-valve |
DE1566451B1 (en) | 1967-02-24 | 1970-07-02 | Benhard Markwitz | Inflatable support pad to prevent limbs from sagging in bedridden patients |
US3505695A (en) | 1967-10-05 | 1970-04-14 | Stebco Ind Inc | Strain separable inflation gauge for inflatable articles |
US3459363A (en) | 1967-12-21 | 1969-08-05 | United States Steel Corp | Valve-unloading mechanism for reciprocating pumps |
US3511472A (en) | 1968-01-12 | 1970-05-12 | American Air Filter Co | Limiting flow valve |
AT284331B (en) | 1968-05-30 | 1970-09-10 | Semperit Ag | Inflatable bandage |
US3665958A (en) | 1968-09-16 | 1972-05-30 | Gpe Controls Inc | Vent closure device |
US3561435A (en) | 1968-11-15 | 1971-02-09 | Dev Inc | Combined splint and coolant container |
US3762404A (en) | 1969-08-21 | 1973-10-02 | Olympic Surgical Co Inc | Positioning aid |
US3667075A (en) | 1970-02-24 | 1972-06-06 | Wesley D Ballard | Mattress spring bellows assembly as for hospitals, and the like |
US3667625A (en) | 1970-08-05 | 1972-06-06 | Goodyear Tire & Rubber | Dunnage device |
US3829918A (en) | 1970-09-30 | 1974-08-20 | P Stamberger | Means for increasing the air pressure within self-inflated hollow bodies for use as cushions and for like purposes |
AU458068B2 (en) | 1971-02-05 | 1975-01-30 | YAT CHUEN YUEN and KIN SUN YUEN | Inflatable mattresses and cushions |
SE368502B (en) | 1971-04-08 | 1974-07-08 | J Dranger | |
GB1318161A (en) | 1971-04-28 | 1973-05-23 | Fiat Spa | Electrically controlled valve |
AT324610B (en) | 1972-01-19 | 1975-09-10 | Bror Elis Andreasson | NON-RETURN VALVE FOR INFLATABLES |
US3898703A (en) | 1972-02-22 | 1975-08-12 | Paul Stamberger | Method and means for increasing the air pressure within self-inflated hollow bodies for use as cushions and for like purposes |
US3831628A (en) | 1973-03-13 | 1974-08-27 | E Kintner | Check valve |
US3899797A (en) | 1973-04-09 | 1975-08-19 | Schwartzman Morris | Inflatable structural component |
DE2423289B2 (en) | 1974-05-14 | 1977-11-17 | Drägerwerk AG, 2400 Lübeck | AIR RELEASE VALVE FOR DIVING EQUIPMENT |
DE2519547C3 (en) | 1975-05-02 | 1980-08-28 | Festo-Maschinenfabrik Gottlieb Stoll, 7300 Esslingen | Membrane for the movable mounting of a mounting pin of a valve closure piece |
DK308475A (en) | 1975-07-08 | 1977-01-09 | Carmo Handels Og Ind A S | CLOSING DEVICE ICE FOR AIRBAGS |
US3995653A (en) | 1975-08-01 | 1976-12-07 | Mackal Glenn H | Inflation device |
US4040526A (en) | 1976-03-26 | 1977-08-09 | International Paper Company | Dunnage bag |
US4068334A (en) | 1976-06-04 | 1978-01-17 | Harry E. Grover | Inflatable body support apparatus |
US4176681A (en) | 1977-09-07 | 1979-12-04 | Mackal Glenn H | Oral inflation valve |
US4175297A (en) | 1978-02-03 | 1979-11-27 | Richardson Robert H | Inflatable pillow support |
US4168063A (en) | 1978-04-19 | 1979-09-18 | Rowland George D | Inflatable athletic wrist movement restraint |
US4273310A (en) | 1978-09-05 | 1981-06-16 | Peter Ginzler | Device for blocking or releasing fluid flow |
US4266298B1 (en) | 1980-01-31 | 1996-05-21 | Mindey Marlene S | Inflatable heel protector |
US4300759A (en) | 1980-03-31 | 1981-11-17 | Amf Incorporated | Inflatable aquatic exerciser |
US4317244A (en) | 1980-04-21 | 1982-03-02 | Balfour Richie Gordon A | Mattress cover for an inflatable air mattress |
DE3319869A1 (en) | 1982-08-19 | 1984-02-23 | Itw-Ateco Gmbh, 2000 Norderstedt | FILLING AND EMPTYING VALVE FOR INFLATABLE HOLLOW BODIES |
JPS5941973U (en) | 1982-09-09 | 1984-03-17 | 三洋電機株式会社 | battery pack |
US4478587A (en) | 1982-11-16 | 1984-10-23 | Mackal Glenn H | Inflatable boat valve and mounting therefor |
US4829616A (en) | 1985-10-25 | 1989-05-16 | Walker Robert A | Air control system for air bed |
US4547919A (en) | 1983-02-17 | 1985-10-22 | Cheng Chung Wang | Inflatable article with reforming and reinforcing structure |
US4756032A (en) | 1983-02-17 | 1988-07-12 | Cheng Chung Wang | Inflatable pool |
US4644597A (en) | 1983-05-09 | 1987-02-24 | Dynatech, Inc. | Air mattress with pressure relief valve |
US4559020A (en) | 1983-05-13 | 1985-12-17 | Cheng Chung Wang | Inflatable toy with movable mechanism |
JPH0644814B2 (en) | 1984-04-13 | 1994-06-08 | 日本電信電話株式会社 | Image display device |
US4694409A (en) | 1984-06-25 | 1987-09-15 | Monorail, Inc. | Microprocessor based air inflation control system |
US4678014A (en) | 1984-11-05 | 1987-07-07 | Siesta Corporation | Inflator/deflator with molded housing |
US4639232A (en) | 1985-03-01 | 1987-01-27 | Cheng Chung Wang | Toy having an envelope enclosing a moving mechanism |
CA1277783C (en) | 1986-01-21 | 1990-12-11 | Robert A. Walker | Air mattress with filler check valve assembly |
US4751452A (en) | 1986-02-24 | 1988-06-14 | Cooper Industries | Battery operated power wrap tool |
US4712574A (en) | 1987-04-23 | 1987-12-15 | C. H. Perrott, Inc. | Vacuum-breaking valve for pressurized fluid lines |
US5040555A (en) | 1987-09-15 | 1991-08-20 | Cheng Chung Wang | Inflatable umbrella |
US4862533A (en) | 1987-09-18 | 1989-09-05 | Adams Iii Mark H | Sleeping bag and an air mattress |
US4773104A (en) | 1987-09-24 | 1988-09-27 | Cheng Chung Wang | Inflatable bath-pool with means producing massaging fluid jet |
NL8702757A (en) | 1987-11-18 | 1989-06-16 | Wisa Bv | CHECK VALVE. |
DE3861283D1 (en) | 1988-02-13 | 1991-01-24 | Hewlett Packard Gmbh | VALVE UNIT. |
US4768247A (en) | 1988-03-14 | 1988-09-06 | Beier John K | Travel Pillow |
US4870983A (en) | 1988-06-27 | 1989-10-03 | Cheng Chung Wang | Inflating article with integrally associated pump |
US5071378A (en) | 1988-08-17 | 1991-12-10 | Cheng Chung Wang | Boat impeller wheel for minimizing the splashes therefrom |
US4982466A (en) | 1988-10-12 | 1991-01-08 | Leggett & Platt, Incorporated | Body support system |
DE3835788A1 (en) | 1988-10-20 | 1990-04-26 | Deutsche Forsch Luft Raumfahrt | QUICK-SWITCHING BALL VALVE |
US4891855A (en) | 1988-11-14 | 1990-01-09 | Team Worldwide Corporation | Inflatable suntanner with speedy and homogeneous suntan effect |
US5251349A (en) * | 1989-03-09 | 1993-10-12 | Ssi Medical Services, Inc. | Multi-modal patient support system |
US4990060A (en) | 1989-03-20 | 1991-02-05 | Team Worldwide Corporation | Air pump with secondary air inlet |
US5267363A (en) | 1989-07-25 | 1993-12-07 | Chaffee Robert B | Pneumatic support system |
US5178523A (en) | 1989-09-11 | 1993-01-12 | Team Worldwide Corporation | Auxiliary package for a bath-pool |
IT1236889B (en) | 1989-12-19 | 1993-04-26 | Claudio Zarotti | HELMET WITH INFLATABLE PADDING |
USD328324S (en) | 1990-02-26 | 1992-07-28 | Team Worldwide Corporation | Inflatable pool lounge |
US4948092A (en) | 1990-03-07 | 1990-08-14 | Royce Medical Company | Combined check valve and fluid pressure relief valve |
US5184309A (en) | 1990-03-20 | 1993-02-02 | Saber Equipment Corp. | Fluid dispensing nozzle including in line flow meter and data processing unit |
US5060324A (en) | 1990-07-23 | 1991-10-29 | Marinberg Boris V | Inflatable apparatus for immobilizing and changing positions of a patient |
US5085214A (en) | 1990-10-18 | 1992-02-04 | Twenty-First Century Products, Incorporated | Inflatable cushion for supporting an extremity |
US5068933A (en) | 1990-11-07 | 1991-12-03 | Sexton Eugene D | Air comfort pillow |
US5102365A (en) | 1991-04-08 | 1992-04-07 | Team Worldwide Corp. | Inflatable article |
US5307529A (en) | 1991-08-07 | 1994-05-03 | Team Worldwide Corporation | Massage bubble generating inflatable article |
US5186667A (en) | 1991-09-03 | 1993-02-16 | Team Worldwide Corporation | Floating hammock |
US5111838A (en) | 1991-11-25 | 1992-05-12 | Shipping Systems, Inc. | Dunnage bag air valve and coupling |
US5288286A (en) | 1992-02-25 | 1994-02-22 | Davis Albert D | Adjustable pressure cast for orthopedic injuries |
EP0558770A1 (en) | 1992-02-29 | 1993-09-08 | International Business Machines Corporation | A hot pluggable electrical circuit |
USD341983S (en) | 1992-08-19 | 1993-12-07 | Cheng-Chung Wang | Inflatable cushion |
US5203831A (en) | 1992-10-05 | 1993-04-20 | Survival Engineering, Inc. | Topping and dumping valve for inflatable structures |
US5450858A (en) | 1993-02-02 | 1995-09-19 | Zablotsky; Theodore J. | Lumbosacral belt |
CN2150770Y (en) * | 1993-03-11 | 1993-12-29 | 刘祚恒 | Aerated mattress |
DE9308058U1 (en) | 1993-05-28 | 1993-08-19 | Hewlett Packard Gmbh | Valve |
DE9408609U1 (en) | 1994-05-26 | 1994-09-29 | Hwang Philip | Portable chair construction |
US6098000A (en) | 1994-06-24 | 2000-08-01 | Mccord Winn Textron Inc. | Interactive, individually controlled, multiple bladder seating comfort adjustment system and method |
US5588811A (en) | 1994-07-14 | 1996-12-31 | Price Manufacturing, Inc. | Air bed diaphragm pump |
US5535849A (en) | 1995-03-13 | 1996-07-16 | Flo-Dynamics, Inc. | Hand held transmission fluid changer |
US5685122A (en) | 1995-05-11 | 1997-11-11 | Automated Air Structures, Inc. | Method and apparatus for maintaining an air-supported structure |
WO1996037175A1 (en) | 1995-05-26 | 1996-11-28 | Mangar International Limited | Support apparatus for use on beds |
KR970012497A (en) | 1995-08-31 | 1997-03-29 | 김광호 | Disc feeder of disc changer |
US5815865A (en) | 1995-11-30 | 1998-10-06 | Sleep Options, Inc. | Mattress structure |
US5581304A (en) | 1996-01-17 | 1996-12-03 | Acer Peripherals, Inc. | Screen detecting system of a wide screen television for detecting blank top and bottom areas |
US5848450A (en) * | 1996-03-05 | 1998-12-15 | L&P Property Management Company | Air bed control |
JP3485719B2 (en) | 1996-04-26 | 2004-01-13 | 三洋電機株式会社 | Battery pack that can be installed without orientation |
CA2260905C (en) | 1996-07-19 | 2008-11-18 | Robert B. Chaffee | Valve for inflatable objects |
US5941272A (en) | 1996-12-04 | 1999-08-24 | Imaginair, Inc. | Three way universal valve |
EP0852296A3 (en) | 1997-01-06 | 2000-01-26 | Innovative Air Products, Inc. | Inflator with drop-in batteries and universal adapters |
FR2758259B1 (en) * | 1997-01-13 | 1999-04-02 | Support Systems International | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR QUICK INFLATION OF AN INFLATABLE CHAMBER, IN PARTICULAR A CHAMBER OF A SUPPORT DEVICE, SUCH AS A MATTRESS |
FR2760967B1 (en) * | 1997-03-19 | 1999-08-06 | Support Systems International | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RAPID DEFLECTION AND SUBSTANTIALLY TOTAL EMPTYING OF AN INFLATABLE CHAMBER, IN PARTICULAR A CHAMBER OF A SUPPORT DEVICE SUCH AS A MATTRESS |
US5839139A (en) | 1997-04-24 | 1998-11-24 | John Fink | Heel elevator for the prevention of heel and foot ulcerations |
US5904172A (en) | 1997-07-28 | 1999-05-18 | Select Comfort Corporation | Valve enclosure assembly |
US6202672B1 (en) | 1997-08-25 | 2001-03-20 | Hill-Rom, Inc. | Valve assembly |
US6073289A (en) | 1997-12-18 | 2000-06-13 | Hill-Rom, Inc. | Air fluidized bed |
FR2774573B1 (en) * | 1998-02-09 | 2000-04-28 | Support Systems International | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING A SUPPORTING ELEMENT, IN PARTICULAR THE BODY OF A PATIENT, WITH AN INTEGRATED DYNAMIC AND AUTOMATIC PRESSURE BALANCE SYSTEM |
US6008598A (en) | 1998-04-22 | 1999-12-28 | Patmark Company, Inc. | Hand-held controller for bed and mattress assembly |
US6246317B1 (en) | 1998-02-27 | 2001-06-12 | William Pickornik | Target pressure learn strategy for vehicular tire pressure systems |
CA2326812A1 (en) | 1998-03-31 | 1999-10-07 | Hill-Rom, Inc. | Air-over-foam mattress |
US6152169A (en) * | 1998-04-20 | 2000-11-28 | Gaymar Industries, Inc. | Pilot operated low pressure shut off valve |
US6253401B1 (en) | 1998-07-15 | 2001-07-03 | Dennis Boyd | Air mattress system |
US6427538B1 (en) | 1998-07-15 | 2002-08-06 | Rostra Precision Controls, Inc. | Electronic control system for a variable support mechanism |
US7398803B2 (en) * | 1998-07-25 | 2008-07-15 | Huntleigh Technology Ltd | Identification and communication system for inflatable devices |
AU760985B2 (en) | 1998-08-13 | 2003-05-29 | Robert B. Chaffee | A switchable inflation device |
US6651283B1 (en) | 1998-08-24 | 2003-11-25 | The Nautilus Group, Inc. | Air bed |
US6085555A (en) | 1998-10-29 | 2000-07-11 | China Textile Institute | Palm-top fabric leading edge detector |
US6129524A (en) | 1998-12-07 | 2000-10-10 | Turbodyne Systems, Inc. | Motor-driven centrifugal air compressor with axial airflow |
IL127901A (en) | 1999-01-01 | 2001-06-14 | Gilad Shimon | Check valve |
WO2000040124A1 (en) | 1999-01-08 | 2000-07-13 | Hill-Rom, Inc. | Mattress assembly |
US6397419B1 (en) | 1999-03-10 | 2002-06-04 | Select Comfort Corporation | System and method for sleep surface adjustment |
US6051016A (en) | 1999-03-29 | 2000-04-18 | Instrumed, Inc. | System and method of controlling pressure in a surgical tourniquet |
US6206654B1 (en) | 1999-04-15 | 2001-03-27 | Dlm Plastics Corporation | Air mattress inflation apparatus |
US6800165B2 (en) | 1999-11-02 | 2004-10-05 | Team Worldwide Corp. | Method for producing plastic products with reinforced heat sealed joints |
US20080105366A1 (en) | 1999-11-02 | 2008-05-08 | Team Worldwide Corp. | Method for producing plastic products with reinforced heat sealed joints |
US6185770B1 (en) | 1999-12-08 | 2001-02-13 | Team Worldwide Corporation | Air mattress |
US6164314A (en) | 2000-01-12 | 2000-12-26 | Intex Recreation Corp. | Oversized air valve for use with inflatable devices and method |
US6332760B1 (en) | 2000-04-04 | 2001-12-25 | Team Worldwide Corporation | Inflatable product provided with built-in battery case and socket |
AU6167301A (en) | 2000-05-17 | 2001-11-26 | Robert B Chaffee | Inflatable device with recessed fluid controller and modified adjustment device |
US7025576B2 (en) | 2001-03-30 | 2006-04-11 | Chaffee Robert B | Pump with axial conduit |
GB0020832D0 (en) | 2000-08-24 | 2000-10-11 | Park House Ltd | Inflatable mattress system |
US6686711B2 (en) | 2000-11-15 | 2004-02-03 | Comfortaire Corporation | Air mattress control system and method |
US6990700B2 (en) | 2001-06-22 | 2006-01-31 | Team Worldwide Corporation | Inflatable product provided with electric air pump |
CN100502730C (en) | 2001-07-10 | 2009-06-24 | 罗伯特·查飞 | Inflatable devices and method for configuring swelled body |
US6444551B1 (en) | 2001-07-23 | 2002-09-03 | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company | N-type buried layer drive-in recipe to reduce pits over buried antimony layer |
US6530751B1 (en) | 2001-08-23 | 2003-03-11 | Supertrend International Inc. | Device for controlling air filling and exhausting of an air cushion |
US6543073B2 (en) | 2001-08-27 | 2003-04-08 | Hsin-Tsai Wu | Inflation seat assembly for an inflatable article |
TW529685U (en) | 2001-11-28 | 2003-04-21 | Jeng-Tzung Wang | Air valve device |
TW559004U (en) | 2002-03-12 | 2003-10-21 | Team Worldwide Corp | Stretchable bed frame and inflated bed using the stretchable bed frame |
US6754926B2 (en) | 2002-04-30 | 2004-06-29 | Cheng-Chung Wang | Inflatable bed |
BR0309859A (en) | 2002-05-03 | 2005-03-29 | Robert B Chaffee | Self-sealing valve with electromechanical device to actuate the valve |
US7610929B2 (en) | 2002-05-20 | 2009-11-03 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Air bag inflation/ deflation system |
US6807698B2 (en) | 2002-06-01 | 2004-10-26 | Sleepadvantage, Llc | Bed having low body pressure and alignment |
US6926920B2 (en) | 2002-06-11 | 2005-08-09 | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd | Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) calibration method providing enhanced uniformity |
WO2004045343A1 (en) | 2002-11-18 | 2004-06-03 | Chaffee Robert B | Inflatable device |
US6754925B1 (en) | 2002-12-30 | 2004-06-29 | Cheng-Chung Wang | Inflatable bed |
US6763540B1 (en) | 2003-01-21 | 2004-07-20 | Cheng-Chung Wang | Queen size air bed with a baffle to separate the air bed into two portions |
SE0301767D0 (en) | 2003-06-18 | 2003-06-18 | Siemens Elema Ab | User interface for a medical ventilator |
CN2649889Y (en) | 2003-08-25 | 2004-10-20 | 王正宗 | Multi-ported gas valve with air inflating-deflating pump for inflating bed |
CN2655749Y (en) | 2003-08-25 | 2004-11-17 | 王正宗 | Self-inflatable product |
CN2676897Y (en) | 2003-09-17 | 2005-02-09 | 王正宗 | Massage water pool |
US7040153B2 (en) | 2003-12-01 | 2006-05-09 | Intercomp Company | Tire inflation gauge technology |
CN1829650A (en) | 2004-05-21 | 2006-09-06 | 三菱电机株式会社 | Remote monitor control system for lifting machine |
US7260860B2 (en) * | 2004-08-04 | 2007-08-28 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Mattress system for a hospital bed |
CN2748307Y (en) | 2004-08-16 | 2005-12-28 | 王正宗 | Hand-operated forced air-tight type air tap of gas-filled products |
US20060037145A1 (en) | 2004-08-18 | 2006-02-23 | Cheng-Chung Wang | Self-inflating mattress |
CN2785585Y (en) | 2004-12-09 | 2006-06-07 | 王正宗 | Sprinkling massage device |
CN2786331Y (en) | 2005-03-25 | 2006-06-07 | 王正宗 | Aerated product with concealed aerating pump |
CN1865744A (en) | 2005-05-18 | 2006-11-22 | 王正宗 | Electric charging nozzle for air-filled product |
CN100593831C (en) | 2005-06-23 | 2010-03-10 | 王正宗 | Air pressure switch of aerated product |
CN100468596C (en) | 2005-07-07 | 2009-03-11 | 王正宗 | Buffering device for pneumatic switch of air-inflated product |
KR100975259B1 (en) * | 2005-07-08 | 2010-08-11 | 파나소닉 전공 주식회사 | Dual wiring system |
US7387290B2 (en) | 2005-08-05 | 2008-06-17 | Cheng-Chung Wang | Self locking air nozzle |
CN2922638Y (en) | 2006-04-25 | 2007-07-18 | 王正宗 | Air-inflated bed cushion with bed cover |
CN100548189C (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2009-10-14 | 王正宗 | Airbed |
CN200968325Y (en) | 2006-10-13 | 2007-10-31 | 王正宗 | Electric air charging and releasing apparatus capable of heat sinking and pressure relieving |
SG143164A1 (en) | 2006-11-10 | 2008-06-27 | Cheng Chung Wang | Inflatable bed having a built-in electric air pump unit for inflating a mattress assembly |
US7849545B2 (en) * | 2006-11-14 | 2010-12-14 | Hill-Rom Industries Sa | Control system for hospital bed mattress |
-
2007
- 2007-04-04 EP EP20070760123 patent/EP2001341A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2007-04-04 US US11/696,656 patent/US8162009B2/en active Active
- 2007-04-04 CN CN2007800207202A patent/CN101466291B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2007-04-04 WO PCT/US2007/065988 patent/WO2007115316A2/en active Application Filing
- 2007-04-04 CA CA 2648001 patent/CA2648001C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2012
- 2012-04-23 US US13/452,987 patent/US8839474B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5020176A (en) * | 1989-10-20 | 1991-06-04 | Angel Echevarria Co., Inc. | Control system for fluid-filled beds |
US5542136A (en) * | 1994-08-05 | 1996-08-06 | Stryker Corporation | Portable mattress for treating decubitus ulcers |
US6037723A (en) * | 1994-11-01 | 2000-03-14 | Select Comfort Corporation | Air control system for an air bed |
US8162009B2 (en) * | 2006-04-04 | 2012-04-24 | Chaffee Robert B | Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling pressure in an inflatable device |
US8413278B2 (en) * | 2006-04-04 | 2013-04-09 | Robert B. Chaffee | Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling pressure in an inflatable device |
US7712171B2 (en) * | 2007-04-25 | 2010-05-11 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Patient support including turn assist, low air loss, or integrated lateral transfer |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10688273B2 (en) | 2015-01-16 | 2020-06-23 | The Board Of Trustees Of Western Michigan University | Dual pressure respiratory assistance device |
US20220187794A1 (en) * | 2020-12-11 | 2022-06-16 | Dell Products L.P. | Information handling system housing cover inflatable seal |
US11662712B2 (en) * | 2020-12-11 | 2023-05-30 | Dell Products L.P. | Information handling system housing cover inflatable seal |
US11893163B2 (en) | 2020-12-11 | 2024-02-06 | Dell Products L.P. | Information handling system virtual and physical keyboard position coordination |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2648001A1 (en) | 2007-10-11 |
CN101466291A (en) | 2009-06-24 |
US8839474B2 (en) | 2014-09-23 |
US20070227594A1 (en) | 2007-10-04 |
CA2648001C (en) | 2014-12-09 |
EP2001341A2 (en) | 2008-12-17 |
WO2007115316A2 (en) | 2007-10-11 |
CN101466291B (en) | 2012-11-28 |
US8162009B2 (en) | 2012-04-24 |
WO2007115316A3 (en) | 2008-10-16 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8839474B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling pressure in an inflatable device | |
US9289073B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling pressure in an inflatable device | |
US9345335B2 (en) | Pressure control and feedback system for an adjustable foam support apparatus | |
US10413070B1 (en) | Custom controlled seating surface technologies | |
EP1415576B1 (en) | An inflatable system | |
EP1284624B1 (en) | Inflatable device with recessed fluid controller and modified adjustment device | |
CA2583171C (en) | Methods and apparatus for controlling air in inflatable devices | |
CN215776782U (en) | Sofa capable of adjusting hardness |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
CC | Certificate of correction | ||
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1551) Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 8TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1552); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Year of fee payment: 8 |